How Does the Fertility Drug Tamoxifen / Nolvadex Work?

If you're having problems getting pregnant because of irregular menstrual cycles or a lack of ovulation, your doctor may recommend you to use the fertility drug tamoxifen. Tamoxifen, also referred to as Nolvadex, is used to treat female infertility by triggering ovulation. When ovulation occurs on a regular basis the odds of conception increases and pregnancy becomes more likely. Read on to find more about this infertility treatment and whether Nolvadex is right for you.

What is Nolvadex?

Nolvadex works to block estrogen, so it's known as an estrogen antagonist. Although, estrogen is beneficial in small amounts, it can produce infertility problems when an excessive supply of estrogen is produced. Nolvadex is also used to preserve fertility in women with breast cancer as they undergo cancer treatment.

Taking Nolvadex/Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen comes in a tablet form that is taken once a day for a short period of time to induce ovulation. Tamoxifen is a good alternative to clomiphene (Clomid), and your doctor may prescribe tamoxifen to you if you don't respond to Clomid. Tamoxifen produces a similar success rate of inducing ovulation in women to Clomid. This means, 65 to 75 percent of women using tamoxifen to improve their fertility will be able to ovulate. Tamoxifen also increases the chances of pregnancy by 30 to 35 percent, which is fairly lower than the pregnancy success rate shown in women taking Clomid.

Nolvadex and Side Effects

Nolvadex produces similar side effects as the fertility drug Clomid. Some of the side effects and risks nolvadex produces in women include:

• blood clots (thrombosis)
• dizziness
• endometrial cancer
• endometriosis
• hair and/or nail thinning
• headaches
• indigestion
• irregular menstruation
• nausea
• visual problems
• voice changes
• weight gain
• risk of multiple births

If you experience any side effects that are not listed consult your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking Nolvadex, you should stop the treatment and visit your doctor for a pregnancy test. Also, talk to your doctor about the risk of multiple births before starting this fertility treatment. Studies show that tamoxifen can increase the risk of twins by 10 %, so ask your doctor about this risk or any other risks associated to taking tamoxifen/nolvadex.