From the Research
A high protein diet may help reduce the risk and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during fertility treatments, as it helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and supports liver function for hormone metabolism. Consuming 25-30% of daily calories from protein sources (approximately 100-120 grams per day for most women undergoing fertility treatment) is recommended during ovarian stimulation and after egg retrieval. This dietary approach works by helping maintain proper fluid balance in the body, as proteins increase oncotic pressure in blood vessels, drawing fluid from tissues back into circulation. This counteracts the increased vascular permeability caused by OHSS, where fluid leaks into body cavities. Additionally, protein supports liver function for hormone metabolism and provides essential amino acids for tissue repair. Good protein sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based proteins. This dietary approach should be combined with adequate hydration (2-3 liters of fluid daily, preferably electrolyte-containing drinks) and medical monitoring, as suggested by recent guidelines 1. While a high protein diet can help manage OHSS symptoms, it should be used alongside medical treatment, not as a replacement for proper medical care for this potentially serious condition.
Some key points to consider when managing OHSS include:
- Early identification and application of preventive measures, such as a high protein diet and adequate hydration, to reduce the incidence and severity of OHSS 1
- Monitoring of ovarian volume and ascitic volumes to assess the risk of OHSS 2
- Use of hormonal triggers of oocyte maturation, such as kisspeptin, which may be safer than human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in women at high risk of OHSS 2
- Medical treatment, including albumin administration and dopamine agonist administration, to manage OHSS symptoms and prevent complications 3, 4
It is essential to note that the evidence on the specific role of high protein diet in preventing OHSS is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. However, based on the available evidence, a high protein diet may be a useful adjunct to medical treatment in reducing the risk and severity of OHSS. As stated in a recent review, the pathophysiology of OHSS involves increased vascular permeability and fluid shift, and a high protein diet may help counteract these effects 5.