Should we try Femara first?


For years clomiphene has been the main medication that fertility doctors and obgyns use to help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and irregular cycles to get pregnant

That may be starting to change. In fertility practices such as ours, we have switched to a different drug, letrozole, also known by the brand name, Femara.

What is Letrozole?

Letrozole is a medication that blocks an enzyme in the body that converts testosterone into estrogen. It causes the estrogen levels to drop which lead to the pituitary gland to produce more of a hormone called FSH. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) is the hormone the causes the eggs to start growing. By doing this, letrozole stimulates ovulation The most common use for letrozole is to help women with breast cancer reduce their risk of recurrence.

Why would you want to use letrozole instead of clomid?

Stimulation with letrozole results in fewer eggs than clomiphene, resulting in fewer multiple births. It is also less likely to cause the side effects of hot flashes and mood swings that are common with clomid.

So, what do the experts say about Femara?

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists has endorsed letrozole as first line treatment for women with PCOS and infertility.