Question about clomid & endometrium

Hi ladies,

I had an u/s today and it showed pretty much what i expected with PCOS- lots of follicles on ovary, no dominant follicle, thin endometrium. It was a downer but realistically what I expected, as I know I will start clomid soon.

My question is how does the lining thicken/ get ready? If I don't have the right hormones, how does it happen when I take clomid. Clomid is just an ovulation inducer right? But what's the point in ovulating if the lining isn't right?

Any ideas?

Hi Peekay,

I believe that the thickening/preparation of the lining depends on proper ovulation - ie also needs the action of progesterone. By inducing ovulation and getting it to happen properly thereby increasing progesterone, Clomid should help thicken the lining. Thicker lining depends on proper O.

I think you will find that your lining is a bit thin because O is not happening yet.

Hope this makes sense.
TICKLISH

Thanks ticklish :)

I understand about my endo- why it's thin- but was wondering if I take clomid and do 'o' will my lining prepare itself too? I read somewhere that clomid makes lining thinner- that's why they only recommend 6 cycles.

From your response, I'm guessing that clomid will induce 'o' and then the hormones associated with 'o' will prepare lining. Am I close??

I understand that Clomid works with the body's own oestrogen but then also works against it too - and yes, I have read that it can thin the lining - so can the BCP. My FS told me that the way Clomid works with the body to induce O is not yet fully understood.

I am not an expert on Clomid because I have never taken it but someone else might know more.

My understanding was that proper O thickens the lining due to the action of progesterone. I believe some Drs actually recommend Clomid to induce proper O and therefore increase progesterone to help prepare the endometrium.

I agree with Ticklish. The thickening of the endometrial lining happens mostly after O as a result of the progesterone. My FS has told me that the Clomid causes an increased secretion of LH and FSH which then leads to O. The Clomid apparently works by blocking oestrogen receptors in the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary). After O progesterone dominates the luteal phase of the cycle and the lining then thickens in preparation for implantation. I too have read that after several cycles the Clomid can cause thinning of the lining. I guess this would be something that would be assessed by your FS if you needed to do additional cycles. I'm sure this doesn't happen to everyone. My FS has also told me that if we don't have success with the Clomid I may then have to move onto FSH injections and she also mentioned the possibility of ovarian drilling (sounds scary huh!). Anyway sounds like there are other options if the Clomid doesn't work or if I can't use it after a period of time.
I hope this helps!

Thanks principessa!

It makes sense now thanks to you and ticklish. I guess my confusion stems from the fact I always thought your endometrium builds up over the entire cycle (after AF of course) not just after "O". It makes sense therefore that mine is so thin! No "O", no progesterone, no lining!

I really appreciate you for taking the time to answer my questions and give support. My family and DH are great, but it's so great to be able to talk to ladies who really know. ;)