Starting Letrozole - anyone else? Also, exercise ban…

[QueenOfComfort]

Hello,

We’ve been TTC for over a year and about to start Letrozole as I have very irregular periods and Dr thinks I’m not ovulating. It feels good to have a plan in place but know this will likely be a long road.

Has anyone else been through this and have any tips? My Dr has also told me I can’t do any exercise which is really daunting for me. I have already cut down my exercise a lot to 3 times a week (just strength training in the gym) but just been told I can’t do any (aside from walking). Not sure how I’m going to keep sane as I mostly do it for my mental health. I’m a healthy BMI so feel this might be unnecessary but I’m going to trust the expert and persevere.

Would love to hear from anyone going through something similar!

Thanks

[Melsunshine]

Hello! I have PCOS and very irregular periods. We were TTC for 12 months then went to fertility clinic and been having treatment since May this year.

I am also on letrozole doing ovulation induction. I am on cycle 3 with 7.5mg. No response first 2 cycles and finally on the third cycle, I’ve responded (meaning I had a dominant follicle and hopefully ovulation , will wait 2 weeks to test for pregnancy)

I’m under the NHS for fertility treatment which has been fabulous. I had to lose significant amount of weight to be eligible. I have continued to exercise throughout ovulation induction with letrozole. I was not advised otherwise.

I would also go physically and emotionally insane if they told me I couldn’t exercise… it keeps me calm and in my healthy BMI range. Did he explain why you cannot exercise? Are you doing extreme exercise?

I’m obviously not a doctor or have any expertise in fertility and exercise but physical activity is very beneficial to a persons health so it seems on the extreme end of recommendations? And my experience has been continue to do what is healthy for me which is 2 runs a week around 5-8kms each in time, 1xHIIT and 1x Pilates.

Good luck xx

[Rox28]

Yeah I was told to only walk/light exercise/swimming - I think it's because it can have an effect on your hormone levels.

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Letrozole is a very effective medication used in fertility - helps with irregular periods and also encourages ovulation Can cause some side effects such as hot flushes , being a bit out of sorts and tiredness This usually improves with time As other posts mention gentle exercise is the best idea - walking ,swimming ,cycling and yoga Make sure you have people around you for support Take a look at our website fertlitynetworkuk.org Access Support to find a Support Group near you

Take care

Janet-Partner

[Beatrix_K]

I carried on weightlifting all the way through my pregnancy until week 39 but I wouldn’t advise to go against doctors orders as I have no idea how Letrozole interacts with the body. Just never heard a health professional of fertility expert advise against exercise. I’d clarify what they mean or if their instructions are for a limited time. Good luck!