Taking the Clomid challenge

[gonnabeamom]

Sounds like a sales promo doesn't it?

I've been trying for almost two years, I've had two pregnancies, and two m/cs. After my last m/c, both my doctor and I had thought I would get pregnant again easily, but 6 months later, nothing. DH has been checked out, I seem to be ovulating, but having low progesterone. So I saw my doctor today and he suggested that the next step was a clomid challenge- a test where they check your hormone levels, have you take some clomid, and test them again. This supposedly will tell how your eggs are, and as a side effect might get you pregnant.

My problem is I guess that I have an attitude about drugs in general and synthetic hormones in particular. I think after my last period I would have agreed to swallow razor blades in order to get pregnant, but I find myself reluctant. I'm afraid all the work I've been trying to balance my hormones naturally might go down the tubes. Also I've heard horror stories about how Clomid makes you a raving lunatic, and since I'm pretty close to the edge anyway (I've become so emotional that booties make me well up) I'm worried about it.

So I'd love to hear from anyone who has done the test, or been on clomid in general. Thanks

[AdinaL]

Well...

I would do the challenge. But I would make sure that all your hormone levels were tested while you weren't taking it. And then if they are off, it can't hurt to see if the clomid helps you out.

Clomid is a tool...like robitussin, or your BBT, or OPKs. It isn't the be all end all. It isn't the silver bullet. But it can help. Just like a hammer helps you build a house. Don't look at it as a cure, or a solution, but the step you need to reach the top shelf.
(How is that for a lot of cliches?? :LOL)

As for side effects, my fool proof method for not feeling like a looney toon....take the clomid at night, on a full stomach. You sleep thru the immediate effects and the full stomach helps buffer.

I Hate taking it. I will be honest, if i could I wouldn't. But there is a time and place for everything. If you are willing to wait, take a couple of months and see an acupuncurist.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. ANd don't let any doctor tell you different, or bully or scare you into doing something you aren't ready for.

[gonnabeamom]

Adina,

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I pretty much leaning toward trying it next cycle if I have one. (And here's hoping that I don't and neither do you).

I've done the accupuncture route for along time, although not recently.

I'm incredibly blessed by having a doctor who doesn't push at all-in fact he talked me out of an HSH, because there is very little chance that my problem is anatomical.

I've had all the major hormone tests without clomid, so I'm covered there.

I'm trying really hard to figure out how to listen to my gut on this one, and get whatever information I need to be comfortable with my decision.

[sara_m]

Just wanted to share my experience with Clomid. I was devastated when my OB/Gyn and I deduced that I wasn't ovulating. I'm so anti-drug that I won't even suck on a throat lozenge. However, after a few months of deliberating (and reading numerous horror stories about the short-term effects of Clomid on women who take it) I conceded to put up with the hideous side effects. Boy, was I in for a surprise. No weight gain, no moodiness, no head aches, absolutely no change in my body other than - during my second month of taking Clomid - I ovulated! What a relief after a year of charting non-ovulatory cycles. The best news was that I also got pregnant and am expecting a baby boy in January. Long story short, it was a means to an end, and wasn't even a bad experience. I think only the folks with horror stories tend to share them, so I want to make sure you hear from someone with a good experience.

Best of luck!