What happened to Clomid?

Most fertility centers now use Letrozole instead of Clomid

For many years, Clomid has been a very popular medication used for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Now, most fertility centers use letrozole instead. But why? On a daily basis, I get this question, both from my patients and from ob/gyn colleagues who treat patients with PCOS. Numerous studies have found that among patients with PCOS trying to conceive, letrozole has been tolerated better and resulted in increased live birth rates compared with clomiphene citrate.

After thorough review of these studies, in June 2016, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists included in their recommendations that because of the increased live birth rates compared with clomiphene citrate, for women with polycystic ovary syndrome and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, letrozole should be considered as first-line therapy for ovulation induction.

- Dr. Waud