Clomid - A Beginners Guide
I thought this brief guide to Clomid might be of use to members - and I thought we could make it a sticky?? What is Clomid? Clomiphene citrate known as Clomid is used to induce ovulation. Clomid works by stimulating the ovaries to produce follicles and to mature follicles which release an egg every month. How does it work? Clomid acts on the receptors in the brain to increase 3 hormones which are gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Clomid makes the body think it has lowered levels of oestrogen so that the body increases its levels of the hormones mentioned above. They then trigger the ovaries to begin to mature more follicles. When is Clomid Taken? Clomiphene citrate is orally administered. The initial dosage is usually 50mg per day for five days and is usually taken from days 2 to 6 of the woman's cycle - although this does vary depending on the Consultants preference. The dose may be increased in subsequent cycles if the minimum dose does not result in follicle stimulation and ovulation. Who is Clomid prescribed for? Women suffering fertility issues, those with an irregular menstrual cycle or those with normal cycles to boost ovulation. It is also prescribed for those who have conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Potential side effects Side effects can include: • Feeling bloated, puffy or uncomfortable • Hot flushes • Putting on weight. • Slight increased risk of multiple pregnancy • Mood swings • Dry cervical mucus, • Mild ovarian swelling, • Stomach pain • Breast tenderness • Insomnia • Nausea and vomiting • Blurred vision, • Headaches, • Fatigue • Irritability • Depression Some people have none of the side effects mentioned while others may experience some. Many people recommend taking Clomid just before you go to bed so that you sleep through most of the side effects. Monitoring while taking Clomid Clomid can be used in conjunction with follicular tracking to monitor the number of follicles. This is done by internal ultrasound scans to look at the ovaries and at the thickness of the endometrium (uterus lining). When mature follicles are detected, an HCG injection can be given to trigger ovulation. Also a 21 day progesterone blood -*test*-('") can be taken to detect whether ovulation has taken place that cycle and whether the Clomid is working. How long is it taken for? There are guidelines to suggest that the maximum dose of Clomid should be 12 months as it is deemed to be ineffective after that time. Although not proven there is research to suggest that after 12 months usage there may be a very small increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Is that your hubby in your pic?! :lol1: Good idea by the way (as an ex clomid chick myself!) I've made it sticky for you x :clomid:

:happyspin: LOL!!! I wish he has my DH!! I think he's just beautiful!! Thanks for making it a sticky - these were all the questions I asked when I first started on Clomid!!