Infertility affects 1 in 7 couples in the UK. The thought of not being able to conceive is difficult for most people to accept. Which is why many infertile couples turn to IVF and other treatments to help grow their families.
The type of fertility treatment is often based on the root cause of the infertility, but common approaches include surgery, lifestyle changes, IVF or other reproductive technologies, or medication. Letrozole is one such medication. Originally used to treat breast cancer, Letrozole is quickly becoming a popular option for couples struggling to conceive.
Keep reading to learn why and how this medication addresses infertility, plus tips on whether or not Letrozole is a suitable option for you.
What is Letrozole?
Letrozole, also known as Femara, is an oral medication generally used to treat breast cancer. Specifically, hormone-receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. Patients are prescribed Letrozole following radiation or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of a recurrence. However, recent studies show that this particular medication may also enhance a woman’s ovulation, without many of the same side effects associated with other fertility medications like Chlomid. letrozole has also been proven to help women facing infertility due to Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Understanding Letrozole for Fertility Treatment
Understanding how Letrozole works is a crucial first step in deciding if it’s a viable option for you. Letrozole promotes healthy ovulation by blocking substances in your body known as aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for producing estrogen and converting male hormones (androgens) into estrogen.
By blocking aromatase, Letrozole lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. Decreased estrogen levels then trigger the body to release hormones that induce ovulation, increasing a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. Lower estrogen levels also signal the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This is done to maintain healthy hormone levels within the body. FSH also causes the ovaries to grow more follicles.
Letrozole boosts follicle growth and the release of eggs, even in women who are not currently ovulating. In some cases, it can cause superovulation in women who have no previous issues with ovulation. These combined factors increase the likelihood of conception.
Can You Safely Use Letrozole for Fertility Treatment?
It’s important to note that Letrozole is not eFDA-approved as a fertility treatment, but instead, as a breast cancer treatment. However, its unique effects on female ovulation are quickly gaining the attention of both infertile women and medical professionals worldwide as a safe and effective way to promote pregnancy.
Although Letrozole is most commonly used among women with PCOS and other ovulation disorders, it may offer benefits in those cases where the cause of infertility is unknown. Ovulation problems and issues with egg release from the ovaries are responsible for nearly 25% of fertility issues among couples of reproductive age.
Letrozole should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Studies show a potential risk for chromosomal and congenital abnormalities in 2.5% of babies conceived with the help of this drug. But don’t let this figure alarm you! The same study indicates 2.9% of babies conceived naturally are at risk of these same abnormalities. Another 3.9% of babies conceived using Clomiphene are also at risk. These results indicate no significant increase in risk for babies conceived naturally, those conceived using alternative fertility treatments, and those conceived using Letrozole.
Understanding the Potential Side Effects of Letrozole
Before taking Letrozole for infertility, you must consult with your doctor and evaluate your current situation, as this medication may not be the best fertility treatment for everyone. You also need to consider the potential side effects. Most side effects are reported by women taking Letrozole as part of a five-year plan for breast cancer. As a fertility treatment, Letrozole can be taken for as little as five days.
Common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Leg cramps
- Mild nausea
Some women report emotional side effects as well, including mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. A medical professional carefully examines each case to determine if Letrozole is a viable treatment option or if other medications and approaches are more suitable. If you are a candidate for Letrozole, your doctor will monitor your progress with regularly scheduled ultrasounds to determine its effectiveness and ensure your safety throughout your fertility journey.
Letrozole vs. Clomid
Letrozole isn’t the only medication for fertility treatment and is a relatively new approach. Clomid is one of the most popular and widely recognized medications for treating infertility and supporting conception. So, which one is better?
In women facing PCOS and other ovulation disorders, there’s no significant difference between Letrozole and Clomid. Both medications work similarly, by lowering estrogen levels and stimulating ovarian follicles. Letrozole is often used in cases where the patient has Clomid resistance. The two medications may even be used alongside one another.
Clomid is in a class of medications called clomiphene citrate, which are said to remain in the body for extended periods, even after treatment ends. This may harm the uterine lining and cervical mucus. Research continues, but it’s becoming more widely believed that women with PCOS are responding better to Letrozole than Clomid, long-term.
A study of 750 women published in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine showed that 27.5% of women taking Letrozole had a higher live birth rate compared to just 19.5% taking Clomid.
Other Benefits of Letrozole for Fertility Treatment
In addition to increased ovulation, Letrozole may also help improve endometrial thickness. By inhibiting aromatase and altering the membrane lining of the uterus, Letrozole can indirectly create a more favorable environment for embryo implantation. Letrozole also allows for a natural increase in estrogen levels and a better quality endometrial lining. This is a different effect on the body from Clomid and other clomiphene citrates, which specifically block estrogen receptors altogether.
Exploring and Understanding Letrozole for Fertility Treatment
Most couples facing infertility are willing to try just about anything to conceive. While Letrozole may not be a viable option for everyone, it’s worth a look if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or other ovulation disorders, or your body isn’t responding to Clomid.
Medication isn’t your only option, either. There are numerous ways to treat and manage infertility, including IVF. Click here to find a clinic near you and the support you need to face and overcome infertility.
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