Clomid for short luteal phase

Posted by Tracy on May 05, 1999 at 10:06:03
Is the chance of multiples higher if a woman is on clomid for luteal phase defect as opposed to being on it for an ovulatory problem?  I have never had any problem ovulating or becoming pregnant, so to me it seems that taking the Clomid may release more than one egg.  My OB wants to put me on Clomid for recurrent miscarriages due to a short luteal phase.  Apparently, the Clomid will prolong my luteal phase and increase the progesterone level to support the pregnancy.
Also, could you tell me what the risks of multiples would be while on the lowest dose of Clomid (50)?  I have seen statistics which vary from 3-10%, and I wonder which is most likely for somebody in my situation.  I am 32 1/2 years old and otherwise in good health. I also had 2 children, ages 3 & 7 before I started having problems with the recurrent 1st trimester miscarriages. Thank you!

Posted by hfhs.md.db on May 06, 1999 at 13:05:52
"Luteal phase deficiency" is a somewhat controversial entity; with a significant degree of variablity (even among "experts") in recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. I am not aware that there is any difference in multiple pregnancy rates among women taking clomiphene citrate for different indications. Indeed, the physiologic mechansim of clomiphene action would not support that multiple pregnancy rates are different.
The best available information gives a 5 to 9% risk of multiple pregnancy with clomiphene. Please note that this is 10 to 100 times higher than the "natural" multiple pregnancy rate.