[SunshineState]

Hey Ya'll! I need your opinions on taking Letrozole for infertility.

Here's my background, the last RE I saw treated me for PCOS and I took Metformin for 1 year and I took clomid during my IUI's along with injectibles. I have since taken some months off from treatments and moved to a new area and had my first appointment with a new RE today. My new RE thinks that I may not even have PCOS since I don't have all the symptoms. He wants me to try stopping my Metformin and doing Letrozole only for a cycle.

I've been doing some research on Letrozole and I'm scared to see that there are articles saying there are a lot more birth defects related to this drug than clomid. My Dr's have always mentioned that there are always risks with Rx's but the way this drug is talked about on the web it sounds more dangerous than clomid.

Has anyone else's Dr's given them any info on this drug? Or has anyone else been told they have PCOS but then told they may not have it? Any info you could share would help me!

[sarah16]

I"m on my second month of letrozole. I love it because I don't have any side effects. All my numbers have been good. Just no BFP yet.

[MaybeBaby2008]

I was diagnosed with PCOS by my second RE but not my first. One of the signs is an LH level higher than FSH level. I don't have any of the typical symptoms either. I am to start Letrozole next month. That is IFF I don't get a BFP before then!

[melissa23]

I am taking Letrozole atm since my insurance is paying for it... My doc had good things to say about it. The info I received was that it leaves your body quicker and the symptoms are less. The only drawback is making sure I'm not pg before I take it because it can cause birth defects if you take it while pg. However I am pretty sure that is with ALL infertility drugs.

[mom4kitties]

I have PCOS and have been taking Metformin since January. My RE gave me Letrozole on CD 3-7 in March and I got pregnant on the very first try! Unfortunately, we lost that little one, but we're going to try it again as soon as AF shows up.

My understanding is that Letrozole is only harmful if it is taken while pregnant, which if it's taken early, is extremely unlikely. It is out of your body completely within 48 hours of taking it (unlike Clomid, which stays with you for 4-6 weeks) and it has none of the horrible side-effects of Clomid. I was extremely pleased with my experience and would recommend giving it a shot if it's recommended by your doctor. This time we just have to hope for a better chromosome match-up. Best of luck to you!!

[shermas]

These are positive posts. I was just looking for information on letrozole since it's the recommended drug from my RE.

[Cemp]

I took letrozole for a few cycles. I was scared of the same thing. I had a hard time taking the medication. I had very bad headaches and very painful leg cramps as well as terrible mood swings. The doctor ended up switching me to Clomid. I felt better since it is a approved drug for infertility. My doctor felt confident about the drug, but it just didn't sit well with me.

[shermas]

I just took my first letrozole pill today. 2.5mg. My clinic is very positive about this drug so I hope it does its magic on me!

[Kari]

I was very happy with letrozole. I had horrible visual side effects and migraines while on clomid so I switched to letrozole. My RE said it has fewer side effects than clomid, it should not thin my lining, and some studies have shown it is a little more successful than clomid. Letrozole is out of your system before you ovulate, so it should be safe - I just needed to take a blood pregnancy test before starting the prescription each month.

Here are some helpful websites:
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: Publications: Letrozole

Log In Problems

IVF Procedure - In Vitro Fertilization and PGD - Chicago Infertility Specialist - Letrozole (Femara) for Infertility Treatment

I have seen 4 different drs. Some say I have PCOS and others do not agree. My ovaries had many cysts before I started taking fertility meds, but I didn't really have any of the side effects except long cycles every once in a while. My feeling is that if you are lean, many drs are hesitant about diagnosing it.

[shermas]

Anyone on letrozole feel ache or pains around their ovaries about 1/2 way into the pills? This is my first cycle on letrozole and I've been feeling these pains, similar to O pains but it's only CD5. I'm guessing this is an effect of the drug?

[mom4kitties]

Shermas, I didn't feel any of those pains, but I may just not have noticed them. Good luck to you!!

[sarah16]

I don't usually feel pain like that until day 10-12. I take my femara from day 3-7.

[shermas]

I'm taking them from CD5-7 and it's just odd that I'm already feeling these aches. I have to go in for cycle monitoring tomorrow. I think I'll bring this up with the RE.

[noelle]

Hi Girls,

I just wanted to say that I am taking the letrozole this month. My IVF dr is one of the doctors who developed the drug so I am very confident in it working and being as safe as they say. Just thought I would let you know.

Noelle

[creamypuffs]

Hi everyone.

I'm new to the board and to the PCOS treatment. My RE recommended letrozole over clomid also. Did anyone feel it was not safe to take something that was not as "popular" for infertility treatments?

I will be start metformin along side with letrozole soon. Just waiting for some bloodwork to come back to confirm green light to start.