Letrozole
What is Letrozole?
Letrozole is an oral medication, which induces ovulation by blocking the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This will, in effect, increase the brain production of FSH and LH and send a message to the ovary to increase the growth of the follicles (eggs).
Letrozole is a medication we often use to increase the ovulation rate or improve ovulation in women who are already ovulating. Letrozole was found to be superior to Clomid when inducting ovulation in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Unlike Clomid, Letrozole does not come with the side effects of thinning the uterine lining or decreasing the cervical mucous.
Letrozole with Injections
The multiple pregnancy rate of Letrozole is not well studied, but it is thought to be similar to Clomid’s rate of 5-10%.
In patients who have previously used several cycles of clomid or Letrozole or have a history of low ovarian reserve, may elect to use Letrozole in combination with gonadotropins injections. The combination typically has a higher pregnancy rate (up to 35%) and the risk or twins is about 25%. When we use the combination of oral medications and injections, we find that we reduce the amount of injections needed while maintaining the higher pregnancy rate.
Why Choose Letrozole with Injections?
The injectable medications known as Gonal-F and Follistim are synthetic forms of follicle stimulating hormone. Menapur is a combination of follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing Hormone. The key benefit of these injections is they counteract the side effects of Letrozole while increasing the estrogen levels and the number of follicles growing.
How Does Letrozole with Injections Work?
Letrozole is initiated on day 3-7, and the injections are added on day 6. A pelvic ultrasound is typically done on day 10 to carefully monitor the size of the follicles. Once the follicles reach maturation, an injection of hCG is given to induce ovulation. We can also combine letrozole with gonadotropins and an intrauterine insemination, which is typically done 24-36 hours after the hCG injection.
Letrozole Side Effects
· Abdominal bloating
· Pain in your side
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Fatigue
· Headaches
What are the Side Effects of Letrozole with Injections?
Injectable Medication Side Effects:
These injectable medications are potent drugs with potential side effects: You may experience:
· Headaches
· Irritability
· Depression
· Fatigue
