QuestionHello. I'm writing from Maine. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for a year now with no luck. I ovulate on my own, but my doctor put me on 50mg Clomid to take cycle days 5-9. I am currently on cycle day 13. My understanding is that Clomid increases estrogen to hopefully produce a more mature egg. Along with a regular prenatal vitamin every day, I've also been taking a prenatal DHA fish oil vitamin. I just read that fish oil can decrease estrogen production. So is the fish oil working against the Clomid? I would ask my doctor, but he's out for the next two weeks. Thank you.
AnswerHello Sonia from the U.S.,
Your understanding of Clomid is incorrect. Clomid causes the brain to increase the output of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This is the hormone that tells the ovary to make and grow a follicle to ovulate. If you are already ovulating, as evidenced by regular menstrual cycles, then the Clomid will increase the number of eggs that you ovulate. This will increase the chances of pregnancy because there are more eggs available and a higher likelihood that one will find the tube and be fertilized.
You must know, however, that I absolutely hate it when general Ob/Gyn's do this blanket treatment. They are essentially treating you blindly. Not only are they NOT treating a specific problem, because a lack of ovulation is not a problem in you, but he is not monitoring to make sure that you are in fact responding to the dose of medication you were given nor how many eggs you are about to ovulate. This is absolutely wrong! I would recommend that you look at my blog where I explain how a Clomid cycle should be done so you have a point of reference.
Since you have been trying unsuccessfully for over a year, there is something wrong that is past the ovulation step. You need to undergo a comprehensive infertility evaluation to find out what is going on! For example, if your tubes are blocked no amount of fertility medication will get you pregnant. That needs to be checked.
Finally, the fish oil will have absolutely no effect on the Clomid so you needn't worry. My recommendation would be to go see a REAL infertility specialist so you don't waste your time and money.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
