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Clomid: The
Cure-All of Infertility?
by Lori Ramsey
If you’ve been trying to conceive
for some time, I’m sure you’ve heard of the drug Clomid. Also called clomiphene
citrate and is prescribed under the brand names Clomid and Serophene, Clomid
being the most popular name. For future references in this article I will refer
to the drug as Clomid. Clomid is a drug that helps women to ovulate. Not
ovulating in one of the main reasons of infertility. Clomid is probably one of
the number one prescribed drugs for women suffering infertility.
There are several different reasons that Clomid may be prescribed.
Hormonal Deficiency
Women who don’t secrete enough of the hormones LH (lutenizing hormone) and FSH
(follicle stimulating hormone) won’t ovulate. This is one of the reasons
ovulation won’t occur. This is simply a hormone deficiency. Most of the time
when anovulation (the absence of ovulation) is the problem and the woman’s
ovaries function okay, the egg will not mature and be released without
sufficient LH and FSH.
Clomid is basically structured like estrogen, in that it prompts the estrogen
receptors of the body to promote the release of the hormones necessary to bring
on ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Generally, Clomid will
be prescribed if a woman is menstruating (having the bleeding period) but isn’t
ovulating on her own. Clomid helps the follicles to reach maturity and thus
enables ovulation. The occurrence of multiples while taking Clomid is higher
than if taking nothing for conception.
Irregular Cycles
If a woman ovulates irregularly, the use of Clomid may help to increase the
likelihood of conception by regulating the reproductive cycle. Doctors will
prescribe Clomid for women who are either anovulatory or who have irregular
cycles, if they have not gotten pregnant by a certain time. Some doctors like to
see a couple try to conceive for several months up to a year or longer before
trying to diagnose and treat possible infertility.
Luteal Phase Defects
If a woman has a luteal phase (the time from ovulation to menstruation) of ten
days or less, Clomid may be prescribed. It is thought to help with the post
ovulation cycle, helping to increase the production of progesterone which helps
to lengthen and maintain the luteal phase. If the luteal phase is too short, an
early miscarriage may result.
Clomid is not without risks. Side-effects sometimes merit not taking the drug.
Because Clomid acts to prompt the hormone receptors of the body, side-effects
that are experienced are similar to those of other artificial hormones such as
birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Hot-flashes, migraine
headaches, bloating, weight gain are a few of the side-effects. Clomid should
only be taken as directed by a physician and only for a short period of time.
Other alternatives?
To increase the chance of ovulation and to forego the risks and side-effects of
fertility drugs such as Clomid, there are other natural remedies that are worth
attempting. First thing is to chart the fertility signs. This will pinpoint
ovulation, and will alert to any potential fertility problems. Vitamin B6,
Evening Primrose Oil, Vitex (Chastetree Berry) are a few of the natural
supplements that help to promote ovulation. Only the vitamin B6 should be taken
all cycle, the others should only be taken before ovulation. Natural
progesterone cream can be used after ovulation to help lengthen the luteal phase
and to help maintain a pregnancy. Always discuss ALL the options with your
healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Lori Ramsey of
Stages in Pregnancy
©2006 Lori Ramsey
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