Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) accompanied by bleeding. It occurs in approximately monthly cycles throughout a woman’s reproductive life, except during pregnancy. Menstruation starts during puberty (at menarche) and stops permanently at menopause.
By definition, the menstrual cycle begins with the first day of bleeding, which is counted as day 1. The cycle ends just before the next menstrual period. Menstrual cycles normally range from about 25 to 36 days. Only 10 to 15% of women have cycles that are exactly 28 days. Also, in at least 20% of women, cycles are irregular. That is, they are longer or shorter than the normal range. Usually, the cycles vary the most and the intervals between periods are longest in the years immediately after menstruation starts (menarche) and before menopause.
Regular periods can vary. If your regular cycle is 28 days and you still have not had your period on day 29, your period is officially considered late. Likewise, if your regular cycle is 32 days and you still have not menstruated on day 33, this would be late for you. Missed or late periods happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Common causes can range from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions. There are also two times in a woman’s life when it’s totally normal for her period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when menopause starts.
What is Clomid?
Clomid, Serophene, Omifin, or clomiphene citrate (generic name) is a medication that is commonly used for the treatment of infertility. It is often used to attempt to induce ovulation in women that do not develop and release an egg (ovulate) on their own.
• Women who do not ovulate without medications are said to be anovulatory and have a condition called anovulation
• Many of these women have polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS
• Clomid is also frequently used to stimulate extra follicles to develop in the ovaries of women that already ovulate without medications
• In these cases the hope is that increasing the number of eggs released will increase the chances for getting pregnant
Clomid works as an “anti-estrogen” that tricks the brain into thinking that estrogen levels in the body are very low. It does this by binding to estrogen receptors in the brain and blocking the ability of estrogen to bind to those receptors.
The brain then thinks that estrogen levels are very low so it releases GnRH hormone which goes to the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The job of FSH is to stimulate the development of a mature follicle (egg-containing structure) in the ovary.
Women that do not ovulate regularly, such as those with PCOS, will often ovulate after taking Clomid. However, this is quite variable and many anovulatory women will not respond to Clomid and ovulate at all.
Does Clomid delay menstruation?
Yes, many women experience period delays while taking Clomid. Generally, Clomid cycles on the average are a few days longer than the average menstrual cycle length in the same woman without Clomid. Ovulation is usually about 14 days prior to the start of the next menstrual period.
Clomid can also cause increased or abnormal period flow. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco may decrease your chance of becoming pregnant. Limit or stop alcohol and tobacco use during your fertility treatments.
Other side effects of Clomid that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• fluid retention
• nausea, vomiting
• pelvic pain or bloating
• severe abdominal pain
• sudden weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• breast discomfort
• hot flashes
• mild pelvic discomfort
• mild nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
