A question for Clomid users

[pootleflump]

I know that it's supposed to regulate your cycle but I'm not sure what to expect. My cycle is usually 21-26 days long, should clomid make it more like a 28 day cycle or could it still be short?

Also, should it make you ov around day 14 or could you still ov early/late?

I'm on my first cycle of using it but feel a bit lost- my consultant just prescribed it and told me I might get a few side effects, nothing about what it does or what to expect.

[pootleflump]

Thanks Attila. I don't appear to be ovulating- my day 21 blood tests have come back very low and that's why I'm trying clomid. I've had lots of ov pains and cm this month so it's looking good so far.

Re monitoring, I'm having another day 21 blood test but no scan.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Sigh re your consultant. They should provide more information as a matter of course.

I would also ask if you actually have a diagnosis of the underlying problem.

Ovulation is not an exact science and a person can ovulate earlier, later or not at all in ANY given cycle. It is quite possible to have periods without ovulating.

In cases where ovulation is irregular or non existant. drugs can be used. The most common is clomid which is taken as a tablet for 5 days from the 5th day on menstruation. Results show that 4 out of 5 women given clomid do ovulate, but only about 1 in 3 actually become pregnant. The starting dose is usually 50 milligrams, which may be increased to 100 milligrams.

Clomid's main job is to get the ovaries to work harder.

Whilst clomid is a useful drug to many women with subfertility problems. It is not always suitable for those with polcystic ovarian syndrome because it can cause an exaggerated rise in blood levels of LH which could impede fertilisation. If clomid has not been succesful in women with PCOS within 6 months, other treatments are usually called for.

You should be monitored whilst on this because if you are not you have no way of knowing whether it is supposed to be working as it should. No monitoring is a no-no. You should ideally have both blood tests and ultrasound scans done.

Side effects with clomid have been reported; namely tummy and bowel upsets, bloating, headache. dizziness, depression and breast discomfort.