WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1997: Re: Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???

Re: Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???

From: Kelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 14 May 1997 00:11:49 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Anne: "Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???"
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Reply: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???"

At Tue, 13 May 1997, Anne wrote: >
>Hi there!!
>
>Just wondering...
>
>What is Clomid? Saw my doc about my previous cycle problems and possible
>anovulation. He wanted me to try to wean my daughter and then see if I
>would ovulate and get pregnant. He said if that didn't work we could
>try Clomid, but he didn't want to jump the gun... He gave me a brief
>description of what Clomid would DO, but I thought I would find out more
>before I have to make a decision.
>
>So what is it?? Gnrh or FSH?

Neither. It's clomiphene citrate and it is structurally kinda similar to estrogen. It works by tricking the hypothalamus (the brain's "brain") into thinking estrogen levels are low, and then the hypothalamus spits out more FSH and LH, leading to ovulation. (this is the "short version" of how it works) >What are the side effects?

hot flushes, bloating, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea, moodiness. Clomid can interfere with cervical mucus, sometimes making intrauterine insemination necessary. A potential biggie -- large ovarian cysts -- is uncommon. Another potential risk is increased chance of developing ovarian cancer if used for a long time.

A personal note: so many of my patients complained about the "bitchiness" they experienced on clomid that I delayed taking it for my own anovulation; when I did take it I felt great -- my husband said I was so much calmer, he wanted me to take it all the time! >
>If I can only wean my daughter to once a day--a nighttime nip-- Will I
>not be advised to take Clomid?

I would certainly advise you to wean your daughter completely to see if you'll start ovulating. If you ovulate on your own you'll be a lot better off. Also, it's difficult to properly nourish a developing pregnancy and a nursing toddler. >
>What are the chances of a multiple gestation because of Clomid? (not
>that I'm against that!)

About 5%. >
>Is there anything else I need to know or need to ask my own doctor??

Ask how many cycles she/he does before increasing the dose, before doing further studies to check for ovulation, before adding intrauterine insemination, before referring you to a specialist. >
>Are there any other options/ tests to do before I go to drug therapy? We
>are very anxious to get pregnant this summer.

Agai , I'd encourage you to stop nursing and see what happens -- give it a few months. If you had no problems before, you'll most likely do just fine on your own if you give your body a chance. >

Sorry so many questions, just want to become better informed.

No need to apologize -- you should ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. I for one love an informed patient. >

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

Next message: Kelly: "Re: laparoscopy"
Previous message: Kelly: "Re: elective caesarean section delivery"
In reply to: Anne: "Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???"
Next in thread: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???"
Reply: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Clomid... uh, what is it and what are the risks???"

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