Question

Enumerate the different ovulation inducing drugs.

Hint:

Clomiphene citrate is the most commonly used ovulation-inducing drug, especially for women with PCOS.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction to Ovulation Induction.
Ovulation induction is a process used to stimulate ovulation in women who have difficulty ovulating naturally. Several medications can be used to induce ovulation, and these drugs work by stimulating the ovaries to produce one or more eggs.
Step 2: Ovulation Inducing Drugs.
The most common ovulation-inducing drugs are:
(1) Clomiphene Citrate (C:
A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, increasing gonadotropin release and stimulating ovulation.
- First-line treatment for women with anovulation, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
(2) Gonadotropins (FSH, hCG):
Injectable hormones that directly stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Used when clomiphene citrate fails or for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Includes FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
(3) Letrozole:
An aromatase inhibitor used off-label for ovulation induction. It decreases estrogen production, leading to increased FSH secretion and follicular growth.
- Often used for women with PCOS, especially those who do not respond to clomiphene citrate.