First Day of Letrozole

jennamarie05

Hi everyone!

I've been diagnosed with "textbook" PCOS, as I have all 3 hallmark symptoms (amenorrhea, slightly elevated androgen levels, and "pearly" ovaries). 

I JUST took my first 5 mg dose of Letrozole in order to help ovulation along. Anyone have any ideas of what to expect, in regards to side effects, success, etc?

I'll be monitored by my RE through the whole process, but am looking for any past experiences.

Thanks!!

przemosbabe

I took it during my FET and I had no side effects at all.

PortiaBear

I took it this month for the first time, no side effects noticed.

kaylamwb

jennamarie05

Update: 

So I had a follow-up ultrasound today after 5 days of 5 mg Letrozole, and nothing has starting growing yet. They said I have lots of follicles, but none are at the maturation stage of being close to ovulation. Likely, this means I'll take another round of Letrozole, at a higher dosage. 

Anyone else have this happen?? Did you eventually ovulate on letrozole? 

eekers

@jennamarie05 - I had the same thing happen to me.  Did 5 days at 5mg and my growth was slow so I did another 5 days at 5mg and saw a god bump in growth but not exactly where they wanted.  Did 2 more days at 5mg and finally had enough growth for Ovidrel injection.  Just had progesterone drawn on Wednesday and was at 21 so they're pretty sure I ovulated this cycle.  Don't lose faith in it yet.  I've had better results with the Letrozole vs Clomid.  Good luck to you!

cynthiasal

Hello I've used Letrozole also and found that I was ovulating like crazy. I had to type of side affects compared to clomid. I've even taken my Ovidrel today makes 12 days prayer in for a big fat positive. Good luck to all

KLake42

I've been taking letrozole/femara (brand name) to help with diminished reserve, so I can't comment on PCOS.  But as for side effects, after a couple days, it makes my bones ache.  All joints-- knees, ankles, toes, wrists, hips, hands.  It's not severe, but it's tiring.  

This doesn't happen to everyone-- I think it's around 10% of people who take it. It's temporary and manageable (I can't imagine what it must be like for cancer patients who take it long term).  Most folks around here don't seem to have any side effects.

Based on ultrasound, my RE is pretty confident that I've ovulated a couple times so far, on it.