Thinking of stopping clomid after 1st cycle - advice please

[izzygetsbusy]

I have just got my pesky af after my first clomid cycle (50mg).
Due to the timing of my likely ov clashing with Christmas I was not monitored, and intended to be this next cycle... however I have a holiday booked which means I cannot have my day 21 bloodtest for this cycle AND miss the early keys scan dates for the next one.

Since you're only supposed to have max 6 cycles of clomid I'm thinking of stopping now and resume on my next cyle after my holiday (otherwise I will not be monitored until cycle 4) - but I don't know if this is a good or a bad idea?

Help please!

Presumably you were given clomid because of ovulatory problems anyway?. In this regard polcystic ovaries or its related syndrome (PCOS) are common culprits.

Hmmm, you should have been monitored this past cycle because there's no way of knowing otherwise whether its worked or not. They could have seen you before Christmas.

I would speak to the team regarding stopping the clomid for one cycle before you do (it will probably be okay to do this but would rather you get their okay to do so beforehand).

BTW do you know what your LH and FSH levels are like?. I ask this as clomid can particularly affect levels of LH - it encourages the ovaries to work harder.

max 12 cycles not 6 (at least it was when I took it)

it is not cumulative so won't matter if you stop and start

50mg is very low dose .. I was on that but was ovulating fine just had a luteal phase defect (conceived first cycle luckily)

I wasn't monitored on 50mg .. and they didn't intend to monitor me either

I was on clomid 100 for 5 months. I only had day 21 test done on month 2 and month 4. Had no other monitoring/or scanning for follicles. I got preg and miscarried on cycle 2, and got preg again on month 5. Currently 8 weeks pregnant.
I would speak to your consultant for advice, as each one is different, some monitor very closely, some dont.

Thanks though I think I'm more confused.. I have until bedtime tomorrow to get my head sorted on this

Can clomid be taken for 12 or 6 cycles?

Guidelines on clomid vary. In the British National Formulary (the medicine bible) the Committee of Safety of Medicine Advice say that clomid should not be used for more than 6 months, however the NICE guidelines state that it can be used for 12 months. However there is good evidence (according to my consultant) that if you don't get pregnant after 6 months on clomid, then you are very unlikely to get pregnant with subsequent months.

I agree with the other ladies here - get some advice from your clinic. There is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation with clomid so you really should be monitored to ensure there's no problems.

Good luck!

Hugs,
Artoo.

Thank you VERY much for all your support.

I was tearful and upset yesterday. We though we'd hit the jackpot after nearly 3 yrs ttc. You'd think I'd learn... but no.

Decided to continue the clomid, have the monitoring and pay for a blood test on holiday (thank heavens for the internet)

Also - been told today our application for IVF funding has been delayed by 2 months so far as the hospital has 'mislaid' my notes. (when does mislaid become lost do you think?)

Thanks again for taking the time to post to my question

xx

Hi, sorry to but in, I had Clomid after ttc for 5 years. I have Polycystic ovaries, endometriosis and a blocked left tube, so I was also given Synarel for the endo, metformin for the ovaries and clomid to stimulate the ovaries as no period was present. After a LAP & DYE, and the clomid I conceived DD who is now 6, we always said we would never go through it again, but DS was born on 23/06/06 using Clomid, I took Clomid for 8 months in total - no break, just different doses, the last lot did the trick and that was the highest I could take (I think 150mg), but it worked. I agree with the guidlines, but thank god it depends on how experienced your consultant is. I was treated at the LGI in Leeds and under the famous Mr Rutherford and team and it was one of his team that said lets try again on the high doseage. I owe alot to that consultant, so don't give up hope. Make sure your follicles are traced though. I had clomid on days 2-6 and on day 8, 12, 14 and 16 my follicles were tracked, traced and measured, I was told on 2 of those occassions to go home and have sex, but it only worked on the last go, GOOD LUCK LADIES