Clomid and Herbal Supplements

Many women are prescribed the drug Clomid as a ‘first-line’ fertility treatment, for some women the mixture of Clomid and herbal supplements is also believed to be beneficial in a woman’s plight to enhance her fertility.

Once it has been established that a couple are struggling to get pregnant it, is usual to establish the primary cause with an initial series of blood tests. These tests look specifically at fertility hormones, and can accurately determine whether a woman is ovulating or not. In the absence of ovulation, pregnancy is impossible, therefore the problem must be addressed.

The drug Clomid increases a hormone known as the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and this in turn stimulates egg production, leading to an increased chance of pregnancy. Clomid use is closely monitored by obstetricians as patients who use the drug are at an increased risk of having a twin pregnancy. Where stimulation of the egg is achieved, it too can contribute to over-stimulation, and consequently the production of many eggs, which lay ready to be fertilized.

Clomid is best taken as a prescribed drug, under strict medical guidance. Although it can be purchased without prescription, this is not advisable due to the possible side effects and adverse reactions that can happen.

For so many women desperate to become pregnant, beginning a course of Clomid can for them be ground-breaking, and a true leap forward in relation to the possibility of achieving a pregnancy. Clomid is only licensed for use for a limited number of cycles; therefore many women choose to enhance the benefits of the drug by using Clomid and herbal supplements together.

Herbs can be potent when used to stimulate ovulation. It is crucial that women realize that herbs only address the underlying pattern of imbalance. They do not address a lack of ovulation, which is the reason why Clomid is used. Therefore a combination of herbs and Clomid can be extremely effective as a dual treatment.

Herbs recommended to aid fertility are:

• Yam – It is believed that in years gone by yam was used to create birth control pills. However, when taken in small doses such as 10 to 20 drops daily from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the middle of the month (ovulation), it has actually been shown to increase fertility.
• Red Clover – It is recommended that you drink a cup of red clover tea every day. Red clover is often used by couples experiencing infertility. It contains many nutrients that are essential for optimum uterine health. It may also calm your nerves, allowing you to conceive faster.
• Lady’s Mantle – By taking this herb once per day it can help regulate menstruation. It is essential to have a regular cycle when trying to conceive as this creates a stable timetable on which to plan the optimum time to get pregnant. This herb also stabilizes the uterus in preparation for implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Don Quai – This herb is another hormone regulator. Best used in conjunction with other hormone regulating herbs, it is essential to use this only at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, as if used after ovulation it can lead to miscarriage if a pregnancy has been achieved.
• Black Cohosh – This herb is renowned for its use in combating menstrual dysfunction and at the time of menopause.
• Vitex - It is important to first be aware that vitex should not be taken whilst taking a course of Clomid. The actions of vitex are known to counteract those of Clomid. Also known as ‘agnus-castus’ or ‘chasteberry', vitex has been used for centuries to support the female reproductive system, and address hormonal imbalances. The effectiveness of vitex has been examined in various studies, displaying extremely positive results for a wide range of fertility problems.

As already mentioned vitex (agnus castus) is not recommended for use when a woman is undertaking a course of Clomid as the use of Clomid and herbal supplements in the case of vitex are strongly advised against. Although there is a lot of positive literature in support of herbs being used to aid fertility, it must also be noted that some herbs can lead to undesirable effects, particularly if taken when a woman is unaware she is pregnant.

Because the achievement of a pregnancy is for all women, a major undertaking and a huge emotional and physical journey, it is best to ensure that any herbs taken to aid fertility are carefully chosen, with the help of a qualified and experienced herbalist. The effectiveness of such herbs is often increased when taken in conjunction with other’s, therefore a herbalist would be able to advise on this.

When a woman is started on a course of Clomid, she will undergo a thorough assessment to determine her needs for treatment. During the treatment she too will be subject to hormone level testing and possible pelvic ultrasound scans to keep a check of ovulation. The same cannot be said for herbal treatments, therefore it is always recommended to use this type of alternative remedy with an open mind.

Clomid is a drug which has to be approved by medical legislation, when a woman is prescribed Clomid any side effects will be fully explained. The same cannot be said for herbs, therefore it is the individuals own responsibility to ensure they are fully aware of what they are taking, and the potential good and bad effects.

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