Clomid and Ovulation: Understanding Cycle Irregularities

Question
Hello Dr., I have been trying to cnceive for about 7 yrs now.  My M/Cycle is usually irregular and in that at times it is just missing for months on end! Anyhow I am once again on Clomid starting on CD3.For the last 4 months my Menses came on the 22nd of each month so naturally I expected it around the same time this month. Strangely, after being excited about not seeing anything on the 22nd,23rd,24th, the unwelcomed visitor appeared on the 26th. My question is whether the use of clomid lenghtens the period starting from day 1 to the actual ov day? I know it is said that you normally would ov 5-9 days after the last pill but considering I had my menses on the 26th that signals I actually ov after that 5-9 days peariod. Is that normal when using clomid? Thanks for your help, and have a blessed day.

Answer
Hello,

Clomid can certainly make your period occur later than usual.  I have read that this is due to the effect it has on the luteal phase of your cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of menses.  This lengthening effect is good actually, because if ensures that if you have a fertilized egg, it has enough time to implant in your uterus so that pregnancy can occur.  Some women, and possibly yourself, get their periods too early, not giving a fertilized egg enough time to properly attach, and then don't get pregnant.  I wouldn't worry about this, as it is probably the effect of the Clomid.  Have a good day and good luck!