Menopause is a condition in which a woman's normal menstrual cycle slows and eventually stops. It also marks the end of a woman period of fertility. Perimenopause is the technical name for the first stage of menopause. During perimenopause, a woman's menstrual cycle begins to shut down. As a result, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and the woman may not ovulate every month. During this time, some fertility drugs can be used to help a woman have a better chance of becoming pregnant before she progresses fully into menopause, including Clompihene and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Menopause and Safety
Although using hormone replacement therapy during menopause has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancers, because fertility drugs are only used for a short period of time it is though that they do not increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer, even when they are taken during menopause. The biggest hazard that these drugs can cause for a woman in menopause is an exacerbation of the menopause symptoms, which include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and nausea. Also, while not specific to women in menopause, use of fertility drugs can increase the risk of developing multiple pregnancies, which can be difficult on the body and reproductive system of a woman in menopause.
Clomiphene Side Effects
Clomiphene can cause blurred or otherwise altered vision shortly after taking it, so it is important to avoid driving or using heavy machinery after using Clomiphene. Clomiphene can also cause flushing, expansion of the ovaries (leading to abdominal pain and swelling), nausea, breast tenderness, or a headache. Because these are also symptoms of menopause, they will be more severe when taken by a woman in perimenopause. However, the most serious side effect of using Clomiphene is the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation symptom, which can lead to nausea, swelling of the hands and legs, shortness of breath, and intense abdominal pain. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be fatal. No evidence indicates that the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is affected by menopause.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Side Effects
FSH is usually given as an injection, and its more common side effects include abdominal pain, mild bloating, and redness and swelling at the site of the injection. Other side effects include diarrhea, nausea, breast tenderness, and vomiting. These side effects will be more pronounced for women in menopause. There are, however, more severe side effects that may require medical attention, such as severe abdominal pain and bloating, lowered output of urine, fever/chills, hives, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain and swelling of the legs. These side effects do not appear to be affected by menopause.
