Comparative Analysis of Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate in Treating Anovulatory Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Code-T0024)

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often leading to anovulation and infertility. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, and Clomiphene Citrate (CC), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, are commonly used ovulation induction agents. This study compares their efficacy and safety in treating anovulatory women with PCOS.

Aim and Objectives

Aim: To compare the efficacy of letrozole with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.

Objectives:

1. To study the efficacy of letrozole in pcos women.
2. To study the efficacy of clomiphene citrate in pcos women.
3. To compare the results among the study groups.

 Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted on 210 anovulatory women with PCOS aged 28–40 years. Participants were divided into two groups: Letrozole (2.5–7.5 mg/day) and CC (55–155 mg/day), administered for five days starting on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. Data on ovulation, pregnancy rates, live births, and adverse effects were collected and analyzed statistically.

Results: Letrozole demonstrated a higher ovulation rate (73% vs. 62%), conception rate (46% vs. 45%), and live birth rate (42% vs. 33%) compared to CC (p<0.05). Fewer adverse effects, such as bloating and mood swings, were reported in the Letrozole group. However, CC was associated with a higher incidence of multiple pregnancies.

Conclusion: Letrozole outperformed CC in ovulation induction, conception, and live birth rates while exhibiting a better safety profile. These findings support Letrozole as a first-line treatment for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with PCOS.

Keywords: Letrozole, Clomiphene Citrate, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Ovulation Induction, Fertility, Live Birth Rate.