Late luteal phase dydrogesterone in combination with clomiphene or tamoxifen in the treatment of infertility associated with irregular and infrequent menstruation: enhancing patient compliance.

Abstract

This pilot study was undertaken to determine whether dydrogesterone administered in the late luteal phase might have a potential benefit for infertility associated with irregular and infrequent menstruation. Between April 1994 and February 1995, 54 normo-prolactinaemic women received either tamoxifen, if there was evidence of polycystic ovaries and/or increased luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, or clomiphene together with dydrogesterone 10 mg twice daily on days 21-26 of the menstrual cycle. A total of 23 women (42.6%) conceived (10.7% per cycle). In 192 non-conception cycles the average cycle length was 29.6 days; 182 cycles (94.8%) were 34 days or less. Patients found the rapid onset of regular menstruation to be encouraging and compliance was excellent. Controlled studies are indicated to determine whether the addition of dydrogesterone to oral ovarian stimulation is beneficial.