Fertility Medications: Clomid

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

If your doctor has discussed infertility drugs as a possibility, you have probably heard the name Clomid. This drug is the most popular brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate. Another popular name is Serophene. Both are the same medication and are used for infertility.

Clomid works by assisting in ovulation. Irregular ovulation or not ovulating at all is the most common infertility problem. These drugs help the body to ovulate, which will make conception possible.

Doctors will often prescribe a trial cycle of Clomid for patients with irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular cycles are a sign that the body is not ovulating on a consistent and predictable basis. This makes getting pregnant extremely difficult, if not impossible. Treatment with Clomid is often the first treatment for women with irregular cycles or infrequent ovulation.

Sometimes a problem with the hormone levels contribute to the absence of ovulation. The two hormones that are responsible for normal ovulation are follicle stimulating hormone FSH and lutenizing hormone LH. If there is a deficiency in one or both of these hormones, ovulation will not occur. Clomid can help regulate those hormones and get the ovaries functioning again.

Another hormone related problem that may benefit from treatment with Clomid is a luteal phase defect. This occurs in the luteal phase of the cycle, which is the time from after ovulation until the beginning of the next menstrual period. A short luteal phase makes maintaining pregnancy more difficult and raises the risk of miscarriage.

Clomid is one of the mildest of all fertility drugs. This doesn't mean the drug is without side effects. The most common side effects that patients experience while taking this drug include headaches, weight gain and bloating. A smaller number of women will experience mild hot flashes and changes in mood. This is generally an increase in sensitivity or mood swings.

Related Articles:

Infertility Treatments and Multiple Pregnancies

What is a Luteal Phase Defect?

Infertility Testing: Day 3 FSH Testing

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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