Thin Uterus Lining Caused By Clomid
In a normal, healthy menstrual cycle, the lining of your uterus thickens as the month progresses. The lining's growth is stimulated by increasing levels of oestrogen in your body as you approach ovulation. The rise in oestrogen levels is triggered by the oestrogen-producing follicles developing in your ovaries. Each of these follicles contains and nurtures an egg until this egg is mature and ready to be fertilised. When ovulation begins, a mature egg is released from the ovary. It travels down the fallopian tubes and into your uterus - just waiting to be fertilised by your partner's sperm.
Ideally, the egg will nestle into the now thick lining of your uterus (also known as the "endometrium") and securely implant itself there. The lining has to be of a certain thickness for the egg to implant successfully. If the egg is fertilised, it will hopefully continue to develop into a healthy baby. If it is not fertilised, the uterus and the egg are shed whenever you have your period. A woman who is trying to conceive may encounter problems when the lining of her uterus doesn't grow thick enough for the egg to attach itself securely. If the lining is too thin, she may have trouble getting pregnant at all, or, if she does get pregnant, she may be at greater risk of miscarrying. Most doctors agree that the uterus lining needs be around 8 mm thick to have a good chance of successful implantation.
The Connection To Clomid
Clomid, also known by its generic name, Clomiphene, is an ovulation-inducing fertility drug. Namely, it helps women with irregular menstrual cycles, or perhaps no periods at all, to begin ovulating regularly and to be able to predict when they are most fertile - allowing them to have sex at the best time for getting pregnant.
Clomid is an anti-oestrogen drug. It blocks oestrogen receptors in the brain and fools the body into thinking that it has low oestrogen levels. This sets off a series of hormonal reactions within the body, which result in the follicles of the ovaries producing more oestrogen and releasing more mature eggs. However, at the same time, the anti-oestrogen effects of Clomid can block the stimulating effects of oestrogen on the growth of the endometrium. This can leave the lining of the uterus too thin and weak to secure the mature egg when it is released by the ovary. Ironically, the very drug that helps a woman to become fertile again, may later hamper her ability to get pregnant. If your doctor prescribes you Clomid, he will probably start you on the smallest possible dosage to avoid the risk of thinning the uterus lining, and build up from there as necessary.
Just Add Oestrogen
If you are taking Clomid, your doctor should be monitoring your treatment and looking out for any side effects. (This is particularly important if you have been taking the drug for several months.) This monitoring includes ultrasound exams to find out how thick the lining of your uterus is as you approach ovulation. If you do find that your endometrium is thin, the good news is this can often be treated by taking a simple oestrogen supplement. Adding extra oestrogen will encourage the growth of the lining and the uterus itself, and improve blood flow to and from the uterus, all of which is important for a healthy pregnancy. Oestrogen can also reverse any negative effects of Clomid on the quality of your cervical mucus, through which your partner's sperm must swim to reach your egg.
Other Treatments
If oestrogen supplements don't work, your doctor may try you on Clomid in combination with other drugs such as Tamoxifen or even, believe it or not, Viagra, to counteract the thinning effects of the Clomid. If this doesn't work, he will probably recommend that you stop taking Clomid and try a completely different ovulation-inducing drug or fertility treatment. If you find that Clomid is thinning your endometrium, you shouldn't panic or give up hope of successful treatment. There are plenty of treatment options out there. Ask your health care provider for more information.
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