Letrozole for fertility

Aromatase inhibiting meds are administered for treating breast cancers among women – especially those who have attained menopause. It is also used for treating enlarged breasts in males. This male-condition is called gynecomastia. These meds are also taken – as an off-label mode – to decrease the conversion of estrogen. Letrozole is one of the aromatase-inhibiting drugs widely taken to stop the growth of cancerous cells in breasts. But can you use letrozole for fertility? It pays to know more on this.

Drugs belonging to genre called aromatase-inhibiting meds mainly block an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme plays a vital role in converting androgen as estrogen. The underlying process is known as aromatisation. Tissues in breasts are stimulated through estrogen; by inhibiting estrogens, tumors in the breasts are suppressed. In case of women who have reached menopause, their body makes estrogen in tissues surrounding the nervous system. This is contrary to how estrogen made in women who have not reached menopause.

In women who are yet to attain menopause, their ovaries remain a key source for estrogen. Aromatase inhibiting meds reduce the odds of cancers by decreasing estrogen levels. As a source of estrogen is different, aromatase-inhibiting meds are not used in women who are still ovulating. More research is actively underway to shed light on maximizing remedial-outcomes of such drugs.

In this milieu, what is letrozole?

Letrozole is chiefly used for treating cancers in breasts. It received it patents in mid-1980s; it was cleared for use in mid-1990s. It is ranked among the list of important drugs of World Health Organization. As per latest estimates, it ranks among top-250 drugs in US. In terms of prescriptions, it has already crossed 1-million / year.

Key function of letrozole is to suppress enzymes like aromatase from making estrogens. As an added application, letrozole is also taken to treat masculine-conditions like enlargement of males’ breast. In general, letrozole is both effective and safe; it is also known to be superior to testosterone. It is tolerated well and is a better approach for longer-term treatment plans.

Foods to avoid while taking letrozole for fertility

As letrozole promotes ovulation, it is administered for fertility purposes as well. Its ability to block aromatase leads to decreased presence of estrogen. Once estrogen levels drop, female body starts ovulating. However, letrozole has approvals for treating cancers in breast and not for fertility.

There are a few foods that are to be avoided while taking letrozole. These foods include items like tofu, fruits which are dried, flaxseeds, etc. A key reason behind avoiding these foods is the presence of phytoestrogens in them. Stay away from foods which contain this compound as they may bring down the efficacy of letrozole.

How to take letrozole for fertility?

Letrozole is taken through oral route. It is available as pills / tablets. Typical dosage is 2.5 milligrams (mg); medication plan ranges from 2.5 mg to 5 mg. In some rare instances, doses of 7.5 mg are provided on a daily basis.

Average medication plan spans 4 to 6 days. In a few instances, doses of letrozole are combined with IUI – Intra-Uterine Insemination procedure. Such combination is known to enhance the chances of pregnancies among women.

What does letrozole do for fertility?

Letrozole reduces availability of estrogen. Once the enzyme is inhibited, your ovaries are stimulated; this causes maturity of eggs in your ovaries. Alternative meds like clomid are not known to be effective to all women. Often times, clomid is taken along with letrozole to help women conceive.

Letrozole is to be taken under the guidance of a gynecologist. It is equally important to adhere to all the instructions your caregiver offers. You may experience undesired outcomes like drowsiness or pains in joints . If you feel dizzy, avoid activities like driving. In some women, letrozole can cause blurred-eyesight or excessive fatigue. In all such instances, get clinical help immediately.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.