Clomid in peri menopause

[AnnaKettle]

Hi there
Does anyone have experience of using Clomid in early perminopause? And did it work? My consultant has suggested we try it as I’ve just turned 40 & cycle length is shortening so it’s becoming harder to conceive. My last pregnancy was 12mths ago but I miscarried & have failed to conceive again since . Would have started on Clomid sooner too, but can’t access it during lockdown unfortunately ...

It really only helps you ovulate regularly if you don't already. If you already ovulate each cycle, it may simply be a waste of (precious) time for you.

According to those clear blue sticks I do already ovulate. My understanding was that it causes ov for those who don’t, and creates a sort of hyper-ovulation for those who do but aren’t getting pregnant . That’s how my consultant explained it anyway...

Um no. I have to disagree, but I'm not medically trained (just scientifically trained and have read extensively about infertility).

It's often used a a 'catch all' and given to many 'unexplained' infertiles, including myself.

I'd love to see the reading on this 'hyperovulation'. By that, does the consultant mean you may release more than one egg (which is actually quite common in perimenopause anyway)? Would you want to risk a high risk multiple pregnancy?

It seems like dragging out more time until the inevitable ivf...

If you are in perimenopause, your eggs aren't likely to be in the best shape sadly - some will be but most wont. Clomid may make you have a 'stronger' ovulation, but that could lead to a chromosomally abnormal egg to be released which wouldn't have happened without the Clomid, and if this is then fertilised and implants then you are setting yourself up for future heartache. If you are absolutely sure you are ovulating then I can't see how Clomid could be a good idea, and in you position I'd ask for a second opinion..

I won’t be doing ivf. I have suffered recurrent miscarriages too and ivf won’t improve that for us. I am just hoping for one more pregnancy - I’ve got pregnant 4 x naturally before - so that I can test if progesterone makes a difference to my condition. But alas now perimenopause seems to have started screwing with my cycle and I just wondered if cyclogest might also help...

Sorry I mean clomid....

I am already taking cyclogest each month

Thanks for the advice. I think when my consultant first suggested it was a few months back and we didn’t know my cycles were short then because I’m also on cyclogest which lengthens them - the short cycles are a new issue - so I guess I will just have to wait and get more advice from her once the service reopens (following closures during Covid)

How do you know you are in peri? Is it based on fsh levels? I was told that as I have low amh 0.4 and fsh at 14 at 38 I may be experiencing menopause earlier than the national average even though my mum had hers at the national average. I was just told to wait and see but could still conceive in that period but with more difficulty. I wouldn’t know if it has started or not or if it’s to come in a few years time so would like to hear your diagnosis on this. I have been following advice on supplements and reduced plastic exposure and had a positive just over a week ago- first time ever- it was chemical unfortunately and today has been confirmed but both my DH and I now know we got to that stage we had not gotten before so maybe there’s a chance. We have plans for egg donation. There is a lot of useful threads available on the donor conception/parenting part of Mumsnet if this is also something you wanted to consider. I wish you all the best.

I don’t for sure. Not like I can get tested right now or anything ... It’s just because I am 40 and my periods have suddenly gone from being 28 days super regular to 19/20 days long quite often over the recent months. Has never ever happened to me previously & I’ve heard it’s a common sign ...

Good luck with your journey too x