Oral Hormones
Oral medications
Clomiphene Citrate
Brand Names: Clomid, Serophene and Milophene
What do They do? These drugs block estrogen and stimulate ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to release more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the growth of an ovarian follicle containing an egg. They are typically prescribed for women with irregular menstrual cycles or to stimulate the development of more eggs. These drugs are either used as the primary treatment, or in combination with IUI or timed intercourse.
How it’s Used? The doctor typically prescribes a single does once a day for 5 days. You usually take the first pill on the third, fourth, or fifth day after you start your period. It typically causes ovulation 7 days after the last dose. It is often trial and error, so if it’s not effective the first time, your doctor will likely increase your dose the following cycle. It is usually not recommended for longer than 6 months.
Side effects: hot flashes, blurred vision, nausea, bloating, and headache
Letrozole
Brand Name: Femara
What do They do?
Letrozole is used off-label for fertility treatment, currently only FDA approved for breast cancer treatment.
This drug also stimulate ovulation by suppressing estrogen (know as aromatase inhibitor) leading to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production, which stimulates the ovarian follicles (eggs) to mature.
It is typically prescribed for women with PCOS with irregular menstrual cycles to stimulate the development of more eggs. This drug is either used as the primary treatment with timed intercourse, or in combination with intrauterine insemination (IUI).
How it’s Used? The doctor typically prerscirbes 5 days of this orally administered drug. Usually you begin to take the first pill on the third, fourth, or fifth day after you start your period. It typically causes ovulation 7 days after the last dose. It is often trial and error, so if it’s not effective the first time, your doctor will likely increase your dose and the length of time it is perscribed for. It is usually not recommended for longer than 6 months.
Side effects: headaches, fatigue and dizziness
