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 is a published author and mother of 6 who also runs many businesses. Read One Of Her Books On Kindle: How to Get Pregnant by Learning How to Increase Fertility
Reproduced with Permission