Letrozole: Uses in Fertility Care and Safety

Letrozole is a prescription medicine that can help stimulate ovulation in some people receiving fertility care.

It belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. Fertility specialists use it in selected cycles, with timing and dose tailored to the person’s menstrual pattern, medical history and response.

Letrozole temporarily reduces the body’s production of oestrogen. The resulting hormonal feedback can encourage the brain and pituitary gland to release signals that help an ovarian follicle develop and release an egg.

Its established fertility use is ovulation induction, where the aim is to support egg release for timed intercourse or another planned fertility step. A clinician may use ultrasound or blood tests to understand the response and adjust care.

Other options can include expectant timing, medicines that stimulate the ovaries in a different way, or assisted reproduction. The appropriate choice depends on ovulation, sperm factors, fallopian tube health, age and previous treatment.

Possible effects include headache, dizziness, tiredness, hot flushes, nausea or changes in mood. Take the medicine on the prescribed days and ask what to do if a dose is missed. Report severe pelvic pain, marked abdominal swelling, breathing difficulty or visual changes promptly.

Letrozole is not a general fertility vitamin and should not be shared or taken from a previous cycle without advice.

Letrozole is usually used for a defined treatment course rather than continuously. Tell the fertility team about liver disease, osteoporosis, unexplained bleeding, allergies and every medicine or supplement you take. Pregnancy testing and cycle timing should follow the clinic’s instructions.