Question

I have PCOS, my doctor ran some tests and I was put on thyroid medication, also I was put on 2mg of Estradiol and 200mg of Prometrium (progesterone). After a cycle of that I started a 5 day cycle of taking Femara (letrazole). It has been 3 days since I stopped taking the Femara and I have had no mucus. So if the Femara is to help induce ovulation, should'nt there be maybe a little mucus starting? Is Femara (Letrazole) the drug of choice over Clomid?

Erika

Answer

Dear Erika,

Femara can and is used to induce ovulation or to boost estradiol levels. Femara is an aromatase inhibitor that is also used to treat breast cancer. It blocks the conversion of precursors by the enzyme aromatase to estrogens. The pituitary gland notices that there are fewer estrogens around and responds by sending more LH and FSH to stimulate the ovaries.

Like Clomid, Femara can actually diminish mucus by being somewhat anti-estrogenic in its actions. Often, we recommend the use of mucus enhancing agents to rectify the situation. We often start with Mucinix ER 600 mg one twice a day and pyridoxime (vitamin B6) ER 500mg (only available in health food stores) once a day, both from peak -5 (estimated) to peak +3. Certain antibiotics like amoxicillin and prednisone are also used to enhance mucus.

George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Culture of Life Family Health Care
Voluntary Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine,
School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego

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