Clomid not effective for women over 35?

summerbrideDC · April 2009

My OB wants me to start clomid next month, but I've had a couple people tell me that it's not as effective for women over 35?! ?Has anyone else heard this or had their OB tell them this? ?I'm wondering why my OB would bother if she thought it wouldn't help. ? ?Obviously, I'd like to trust her and give her the benefit of the doubt, given that she's the professional, but I'd like to know as much as I can going in to this.?

thanks!?

firsttogo · April 2009

While I have never heard this, I would imagine it could be less effective for women who have diminished ovarian reserve. That is sometimes the case with older moms. I would not be concerned with that though if your Dr. has not told you that is a problem. He knows your age, and would not give you a drug that would be detrimental. I also am a believer that there is no magic "age" for things to not work. There could be some characteristics that most women over 35 have that make a drug work in a certain way. Not everyone fits in to every mold.

I know I am rambling. I hope that helps a little

itsmevkb · April 2009

Are you ovulating? If not then Clomid will probably make you ovulate. If you are already ovulating then Clomid increases the chances the ovulating more than one egg. Some docs figure the more eggs the more chances that one will be fertilized. However, Clomid can't help better the egg quality which may be what is the issue.

This is from my RE's web site:

Clomid and timed intercourse for unexplained infertility

3-6 months of treatment with Clomid pills (clomiphene citrate) might improve fertility by as much as 2 times as compared to no treatment. This is a very low level infertility treatment. Infertility specialists do not usually recommend Clomid treatment( without insemination) for unexplained infertility for women over the age of about 35. Most fertility specialists do not use it (without IUI) on any couples with unexplained infertility. If a woman is already having regular periods and ovulating one egg every month, giving Clomid, which will probably stimulate the ovaries to release 2 or 3 eggs per month (instead of one) is not really fixing anything that is broken - and is not likely to be successful.

ShawMich · April 2009

I never heard of this, but I'm sure your OB knows what he/she is doing. I was told that Clomid tricks your body into thinking is going through menopause which is why there is a possibility of all the crazy s/e.

Good luck.