What is Letrozole?

During day 3-7 of my cycle I have to take a medicine called Letrozole.  Some people have asked what exactly does the medicine do and why am I taking it - well the short answer is because I was told to.

Letrozole is actually a medicine for the treatment of hormonally responsive breast cancer, however it has been used since 2001 for ovarian stimulation.  It is not currently FDA approved for the treatment of infertility, but studies have shown its effectiveness in women with ovulation problems or unexplained infertility.  Letrozole has fewer side effects than the similar drug Clomid.

I need this shirt some days, haha!!!

It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes.  When this happens the brain and pituitary gland increase the output of FSH, which is follicle stimulating hormone.  The hormone could result in producing a mature follicle in the ovary and ovulation of an egg.  For women that already ovulate, it COULD cause the possibility of multiple follicles and mulyiple eggs releasing - which just means a greater chance for Baby B!!!!

Many doctors prefer Letrozole to Clomid for many reasons.  It has fewer side effects, less chance for birth defects, does not adversly affect the uterine lining or the cervical mucus.  Letrozole is out of your system in 9 days, where as it takes Clomid as long as 8 weeks (which leads to a less chance for it to be in your system when you get pregnant).

Even with a medicarted cycle, you still only have a 1 and 4 chance of conceiving in a cycle. (Makes you wonder how there are so many "ooppss" babies doesn't it, haha!) That chance does not increase every month, it still remains 1 in 4.  I point that out because when I inititally heard those numbers I assumed "Oh I'll be pregnant in 4 months", nope not how this works.  

Just because I thought it was hilarious!!!

So we just started our 5th cycle with Letrozole.  I've read that for whatever reason (maybe your body "learns" for each cycle - I have no clue just guessing), after the 4th cycle couples seem to have more success.

I try to research and understand as much as possible when taking madicine to supplesments, just so I know what to expect and even prepare for it.  The only side effects that I've felt are mood swings, weight gain, and headaches.

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki