Irregular ovulation while on clomid-is this normal?

[Lakefarm]

I have just finished my second cycle of clomid 50 mg (ttc second child), and I ovulated on day 22 (cycle length 36). Last month it was day 18 (cycle length 32) and as it's still unpredictable we keep missing our window of opportunity.

While I know this is not a huge difference, the gynae who prescribed it told me it would give me a 28 day cycle and I would ovulate on day 14. This was partly the reason it's been prescribed as I've previously had long, irregular cycles, ranging from 33 to 50 days.

Do any other clomid-takers have any experience of this?

Hi,

Are you being monitored whilst on this drug treatment?. I ask this as clomid is actually quite powerful stuff and no monitoring if this is happening is a complete no-no. You should be having either blood tests (as clomid can affect LH hormone level markedly) and/or internal ultrasound scans to check that an egg has left the ovary. No monitoring means you do not know if clomid is doing its job or not.

Do you also have a diagnosis of the problem?. I ask this as two possible causes for such irregularity include a condition called polycystic ovaries (this may be actually why you've been given clomid) and thyroid imbalance.

It is not correct to assume that ovulation will occur 14 days prior to a period; ovulation does not work like that at all. Think as well you were given some potentially duff information by the gynae; clomid's main and primary job is to make the ovaries work harder.

Clomid is usually taken for a max time of six months after which other treatments can be tried. It may be that your clomid dosage needs reexamining.

Attila, thanks for your reply. I was monitored for the first month only, with a day 21 blood test and told my result was excellent and therefore would not receive any more monitoring, just to continue with my six months worth of clomid. No scans were offered.

Have had other blood tests, day 3 and day 21, checking for polycystic ovaries and thryoid problem but nothing was found. I did conceive my first child with no problems, but have now been trying for about eighteen months.

I was surprised how readily the clomid was prescribed, and my weird cycle lengths were put down to 'one of those things.'

I will speak to the gynae again. You have certainly given me something to think about, so thanks for taking the time to reply.

Lakefarm - I'm in the middle of my third cycle of Clomid and have had the same problem as you.

On the first cycle, I ovulated (I think) on CD21 of a 34 day cycle, the second cycle was CD17 of a 31 day cycle.

The first cycle was briefly successful, but actually was a chemical pg and the second we missed the window!

I've not had any monitoring at all which worries me, but have started temping again as although I know it's not 100% reliable, it's the only way I can get a glimmer of information.

I also thought it would regulate my cycle, and bring ovulation on sooner.

I'll be very interested to know what your gynae says.

Have you found Clomid has affected you in any way?

I had 6 cycles of it, and never managed to have the 3-days-before period blood test at the right time to confirm I'd ovulated - gynae's conclusion was 'probably'. The idea was that it would jump-start regular periods but I only had a couple that weren't down to Clomid, and a cycle of 30-40 days (no periods at all before that). I have a bit of polycystic ovaries but 'nothing to shout home about' according to gynae.

Had just made another appt after no periods for another 6 months when it transpired I was 4 months pregnant.

Have just had bloods again as no periods and ds 18mo. The Clomid was fine, no side effects at all, but the Provera made me want to shag absolutely anything that moved for about 3 days - incredibly stressful!

I foresee more amusement with medical insurance as they only pay for 'diagnostic' tests not 'regular' blood tests. I explained I was only trying to do one blood test, it's just I kept going on the wrong day. Bloke asked why I couldn't go on the right day and took a long time to explain I don't have psychic powers!

I had 6 cycles of it, and never managed to have the 3-days-before period blood test at the right time to confirm I'd ovulated - gynae's conclusion was 'probably'. The idea was that it would jump-start regular periods but I only had a couple that weren't down to Clomid, and a cycle of 30-40 days (no periods at all before that). I have a bit of polycystic ovaries but 'nothing to shout home about' according to gynae.

Had just made another appt after no periods for another 6 months when it transpired I was 4 months pregnant.

Have just had bloods again as no periods and ds 18mo. The Clomid was fine, no side effects at all, but the Provera made me want to shag absolutely anything that moved for about 3 days - incredibly stressful!

I foresee more amusement with medical insurance as they only pay for 'diagnostic' tests not 'regular' blood tests. I explained I was only trying to do one blood test, it's just I kept going on the wrong day. Bloke asked why I couldn't go on the right day and took a long time to explain I don't have psychic powers!

Daisydot and notcitrus - thanks also for your replies. This ttc business certainly sounds like a comedy of errors. I am actually less concerned having read your experiences, and wonder if I was being fobbed off with it as a first line of treatment.

Daisydot - I have not really had any side effects, except on day 22 this cycle I had terrible cramps and was sick, but am not sure whether that would be the clomid as I have had this in the past when not taking it.

I will speak to my gynae at next appt in a few weeks but have a feeling they will say that cycles around this length are certainly better than ones which last 50 days. Good luck to you both.

lakefarm - if you were being fobbed off they'd probably get you to try metformin for 6 months or tell you to lose weight or something - clomid is serious stuff.

My gynae (patronising git but very expert) inisisted on a long chat about the 10% chance of ending up with twins if I got pregnant on it. He reassured me he'd never known of anyone in his 40-year career who'd ended up with triplets from it though!