my thoughts

I just finished an IVF cycle with EPP. I started estrace after confirmed ovulation and then continued it with stims. I just got a positive beta, and my RE asked me to keep taking the estrace along with P4 support. I don't really know the rationale for continuing E2 during stims, but theoretically I think it should have limited impact during stims. It suppresses natural FSH/LH production, but since those hormones are being supplied exogenously, that shouldn't matter except that perhaps it provides a more controlled hormonal background that RE can modify with stims.

I didn't think the EPP was any better than antagon cycles I'd done in terms of response. In fact, I was a little disappointed in the quality of the 10 oocytes they retrieved. We transferred a 6-cell and a 5-cell embie to get this BFP (just found out today). I've had plenty of BFNs with nicer, more advanced embies. All this makes me wonder if the benefit of EPP is in creating a more receptive endometrial environment? I guess that's a good question for the scientists of the world.
Good luck!
XOXO Helena