The Treatment of Ovulatory Defects with Clomiphene

Abstract

Summary: Sixty‐three patients have been treated with clomiphene for ovulatory disorders; 41 patients suffered from anovulation or oligo‐ovulation with menses at intervals of 4 months or more, and 22 patients were treated for a short or abnormal luteal phase, a disorder which has a confusing and varied nomenclature as indicated in the text. Eighty‐four per cent, of the patients with anovulation were cured as judged by two or more criteria of ovulation. Thirty‐six per cent, of married patients achieved a pregnancy. Twenty‐eight per cent, of ovulations resulted in the production of a corpus luteum with a life span of 10 days or less. Approximately one‐third of patients treated for a naturally occurring short or abnormal luteal phase became pregnant. Investigations on the effect of clomiphene on a poorly functioning corpus luteum (defective ovulation) suggest that this compound may have a wider therapeutic field than has previously been anticipated. For this purpose the compound was given after the end of menstruation; its effect at this time was superior to that obtained when administration was delayed until after ovulation had taken place.