Letrozole/Femara Start Day Question

BunnyBerry

RE prescribed Letrozole 5mg CD3-7 again. Unfortunately I couldn't go in for monitoring CD3 so nurse said I can take the meds CD4-8 instead. She mentioned that "since I'm young it should be okay." What does that mean? Dr. Google has been mute on the subject.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what effect it would have to start later vs. earlier.

Assuming it would be a similar situation with Clomid so if you have insight into the pros/cons of different Clomid start dates that would be helpful too. Thank you for your collective wisdom!

Rachaeleigh

I don't have much to offer, as I'll only be starting femara next month but my RE did mention before that I always had to start injectables on cd3, but orals are ok to start on cd4, if needed

lisa89760

I've started on day 3 or 4 with my oral medication.  I'm really not sure the reason behind the different days, but apparntly my RE is ok with either day. 

blsav23

I have read that the earlier you start, the more follicles you produce. I guess it kind of makes sense because it gives them more time to develop?

typo31

I just called my RE's office because today is CD1 - they scheduled me to do baseline monitoring and start Letrozole on Monday, CD4. Hopefully that works for us both!

BunnyBerry

@lemonliz That is super helpful, thank you!

@rachaeleigh Ah, good to know!

@lisa89760 Thanks!

@bslav23 That's what I was thinking too, which is annoying because I aaalmost had a second mature follie this month, and I guess starting on CD4 I will probably have to accept just 1.

@typo31 That makes me feel better. Hopefully it does the trick for us both!

BunnyBerry

@hrushka That is super helpful, thanks!! I have O'ed CD18 and CD17 on Femara, but that's average for me anyway so hopefully starting CD4 won't push it much later. I don't want to deal with the stress of so much time off work if I keep needing repeat ultrasounds!

BunnyBerry

@daydreamsam Yes, it didn't make sense to me either! She seemed a little discombobulated overall on that phone call though. -_- Glad to know your RE feels a range is okay!

Autumray

I was wondering this too! The Pharmacy I went to was out after a long debate with the insurance company but promised they would have it on the next day. (they didnt) so I didnt get mine til yesterday which was CD4. So I just did what I could and started it  yesterday so I am doing 7.5mg 4-8 (didnt O til CD19 ((with 2 small follies)) on 5mg so they increased it) Good Luck!!!  

BunnyBerry

@autumnray Good luck to you too! I feel like comparing the results of those of us starting CD4 this month will about triple the data I've been able to find on the subject.

kkeglar13

I did cd3-7 on the past 3 cycles, and on this cycle I couldn't get in for my cd3 u/s till cd4 so I did my Letrozole on cd4-8.. For me there was no difference in progression and my follies matured just like they did before.

BunnyBerry

@kkeglar13 So interesting to know there were totally similar results! Thanks for sharing.

stace2524

I did clomid cycles taking it CD 3-7 and CD 5-9. Clomid can delay ovulation so the earlier you start it the earlier you O. For example, on nothing I would O around CD 12-14 (28 day cycle) taking clomid starting on CD 5 I would O CD 16 (30 day cycle) taking clomid starting CD 3 I would O CD 12 (28 day cycle). Starting on CD 3 more closely resembled my natural cycle which I liked and it also led to a shorter cycle so when I got my BFN I could try again sooner. My RE said the day 5-9 is more old school. Hope this helps!

BunnyBerry

Thanks @stace2524!

kristyn831

For both IUIs, I started letrozole on CD5. I'm not sure what the reasoning behind that start date is.

steen9713

I missed CD3 due to the weekend. And have started on day 4-8 there are a few factors but normally you have a "grace" period of starting from Cd3-5, unless you have short cycles. Then preferably CD3 again this is all according to my RE and my situation as my normal Cycles are 21-24 days so they prefer to start me on day 3 but due to timing it's been day 4 best of luck bunny!!

BunnyBerry

@steen9713 Thanks that's very helpful! My cycles are a bit long so hopefully day 4 doesn't hurt anything. Except giving me headaches. Ugh, I hate those headaches!  

Autumray

Seriously Bunny! I HATE the headaches! Lucky for me I only had a major one on day 2 of pills other than that one I havent had much issues this cycle