Is Clomid at 35 too late?

[Wantaminime]

Hello. I mentioned to my dr that I was interested in Clomid but she told me I was too old (I'm 35) for it to do anything. She said it's success is with younger girls who aren't ovulating. I know she's the expert but it seems different to what else I've read. My FSH is 9, still in the normal range but higher than I want. She referred me to a specialist who I'll see in 2 weeks. Do any of you have success stories with it? Also, are there other treatments/medications to try before the injectables?

 

[Wish4another1]

you should ask about femara - but I have read MANY stories of ladies over 35 successful on clomid...
??? not sure why she would tell you that?

 

[Wantaminime]

I don't know but this dr really knows how to instill fear! I was casually trying and as soon as she heard my age she ordered blood work (which I wanted) and before I even went to get blood drawn referred me to an infertility specialist. I thought it was premature, but now happy to go thinking they'll give me more time and attention. Thanks for the tip, I'll look into Femara. I just read a bit and it sounds like a good thing to try.

 

[shannongmac]

I don't know but this dr really knows how to instill fear! I was casually trying and as soon as she heard my age she ordered blood work (which I wanted) and before I even went to get blood drawn referred me to an infertility specialist. I thought it was premature, but now happy to go thinking they'll give me more time and attention. Thanks for the tip, I'll look into Femara. I just read a bit and it sounds like a good thing to try.

mine too!!!!
I said that we were thinking of trying soon and hadn't not been trying since I came off BC... by not been trying I mean using protection other than the pill and not DTD when I could get pregnant based an ovulation app...
she sent me for blood work, an ultrasound and wanted to send me to a fertility specialist...
I was like whoah... how about if I actually try for a few months and then we see, omg...
FYI we are going to be on cycle 2 of TTC this month... and I turn 35 on Sat.

 

[Mrs Vac]

That seems quick lol but I am not a doctor. I'm 36 and on clomid. Ovulating great on it though not pregnant yet . On my 3rd cycle, and got my positive lh test yesterday. Fingers crossed for you! Keep us updated on what your specialist says.

 

[Wantaminime]

I don't know but this dr really knows how to instill fear! I was casually trying and as soon as she heard my age she ordered blood work (which I wanted) and before I even went to get blood drawn referred me to an infertility specialist. I thought it was premature, but now happy to go thinking they'll give me more time and attention. Thanks for the tip, I'll look into Femara. I just read a bit and it sounds like a good thing to try.

mine too!!!!
I said that we were thinking of trying soon and hadn't not been trying since I came off BC... by not been trying I mean using protection other than the pill and not DTD when I could get pregnant based an ovulation app...
she sent me for blood work, an ultrasound and wanted to send me to a fertility specialist...
I was like whoah... how about if I actually try for a few months and then we see, omg...
FYI we are going to be on cycle 2 of TTC this month... and I turn 35 on Sat.

Jeez! I got scared into making an appointment after she told me one of my levels is in the high area of normal range but I hope go and they look at me like I'm getting ahead of myself. It's all too much too fast! Happy birthday to you My girlfriend went to the dr too saying she was thinking about trying and is 34 and her dr (who is in the same practice) told her don't worry, it's 37.5, not age 35 where we have to rush. Mine told me 32. I don't know what to think, if I wasn't so scared of this unfair time clock, I'd be happy to wait a few years. Best of luck.

 

[shannongmac]

best of luck to you too!
positive vibes...we got this!

 

[Zeri]

I've read conflicting information about Clomid for women over 35. I've had success with it - although I was 32 when I conceived the first time, and 34 the second time - I also ovulate as well, just a bit late. I tried it again from age 35 onwards, for about 2 years, off and on, didn't conceive at all... whereas my first two times on it I conceived quickly. I don't know if being 35 made a difference to its efficacy, and there were other factors involved (bad BD timing, DH's iffy sperm count maybe) but I read that Clomid can actually hinder conception for women over 35, because the FSH is lower/higher....something like that? I can't remember. I came off it and got pregnant recently on a natural cycle. So I don't know! Femara is also a good choice and doesn't have some of the side effects that Clomid has.

 

[Wantaminime]

That seems quick lol but I am not a doctor. I'm 36 and on clomid. Ovulating great on it though not pregnant yet . On my 3rd cycle, and got my positive lh test yesterday. Fingers crossed for you! Keep us updated on what your specialist says.

I think it's quick too! I'm happy to hear it's helpful to you. Best of luck and I'll relay what the specialist says. I'm hoping the doc that referred me just wanted to get me over to the most qualified person rather than waiting. I'm trying to tell myself there's no need yet to panic. Honestly, mid 30's seems young to me, but what do I know...

 

[Wantaminime]

I've read conflicting information about Clomid for women over 35. I've had success with it - although I was 32 when I conceived the first time, and 34 the second time - I also ovulate as well, just a bit late. I tried it again from age 35 onwards, for about 2 years, off and on, didn't conceive at all... whereas my first two times on it I conceived quickly. I don't know if being 35 made a difference to its efficacy, and there were other factors involved (bad BD timing, DH's iffy sperm count maybe) but I read that Clomid can actually hinder conception for women over 35, because the FSH is lower/higher....something like that? I can't remember. I came off it and got pregnant recently on a natural cycle. So I don't know! Femara is also a good choice and doesn't have some of the side effects that Clomid has.

Thanks, after reading about it, it seemed like a wonder pill that was knocking everyone up in 3 months. I'm happy to hear both stories of it's success and where it lacks. I'll have another go at it naturally before I meet with the specialist, it seems so tough to keep up with everything when they start with the meds and treatments.

Congrats on both babies

 

[Mrs Vac]

I know a lot of women who didn't get started ttc until our ages. I think we are still alright until a few more years and then it may get more challenging. Fingers crossed for us all! Can't wait to hear what your re thinks...

 

[futurebbmoma]

I wouldn't freak out at your doctor taking things seriously... when I was 35 I was coming off of a long distance relationship that was going nowhere and scared that I had wasted my best reproductive years. I got emotional in my doctor's office and she completely dismissed my fears. She had no time for that. Might as well have given me a pat on the head.

Fast forward to meeting a wonderful man when I was almost 40 and now after no luck on our own we are on our first clomid cycle. My NEW doctor is fantastic. Very supportive and encouraging. It feels good to be proactive and actually doing something instead of just sighing when another period shows.

It's not too late. If you don't like your doctor or think she's not supportive, get a second opinion.

 

[Wantaminime]

I wouldn't freak out at your doctor taking things seriously... when I was 35 I was coming off of a long distance relationship that was going nowhere and scared that I had wasted my best reproductive years. I got emotional in my doctor's office and she completely dismissed my fears. She had no time for that. Might as well have given me a pat on the head.

Fast forward to meeting a wonderful man when I was almost 40 and now after no luck on our own we are on our first clomid cycle. My NEW doctor is fantastic. Very supportive and encouraging. It feels good to be proactive and actually doing something instead of just sighing when another period shows.

It's not too late. If you don't like your doctor or think she's not supportive, get a second opinion.

Thank you, I have all those fears too so I have an appointment to see someone else. Best of luck to you, go make that baby . I think having a supportive and encouraging dr could make all the difference in enjoying ttc or making it a stressful endeavor.

 

[dan-o]

It's worth a try surely? Much cheaper than other options!

At 33 my fsh was over 9, but I went on clomid a few cycles after my tests, got 2-3 follies and conceived first time (ds1) Tried clomid again when I was 35 and it worked on the 4th(early loss) and 6th cycle (ds2) multiple folicles again.

I've conceived naturally a fair few times too, but they always end in mc. Not sure if the clomid helps or what, but I feel like I owe it infinite thanks for my two precious rainbows.

 

[StranjeGirl]

Over half of my dr's patients are in their 40's and even early 50's. When I first started with him he asked if I wanted to have kids and my age. I was almost 35 and told him that I was getting married soon after my 35th birthday. He told me I had plenty of time If I started trying within the next year and half at that he has seen most people need some help when they are around 40 (obviously everyone is different, but that was what he witnessed in general after 30 years of being an obgyn) ANyway, I got pg a couple months after turning 36. It was my 5th cycle of trying, but 2 of those cycles weren't great as we couldn't time things exactly right etc. Plus that was after coming off birth control after 20 years!!! So I think your dr is being very premature and just instilling fear in you. The real problem with advanced age is that if there is something wrong, we don't have as much time to figure it out and fix it as if we were 20. However, there are tons of people who get pregnant within the first couple months at 35 and even 40, and some people who are 20 and can't get pregnant. Personally I would try for about 4-5 month and have an appt set up in case it doesn't happen. That is what dh and I are doing now. I am on my 4th cycle and have an appt set with my dr at the end of my 5th cycle in case I am not pg yet. Plus I think clomid depends more on your numbers than your age. If you have super high fsh I think it is hard to stimulate the ovaries?? I'm not sure but that is what I had understood...your fsh is fine. Good luck trying! I hope you get pregnant right away so you can rub it in that dr's face!!! And I think it is time for a new dr!!!

 

[Wantaminime]

It's worth a try surely? Much cheaper than other options!

At 33 my fsh was over 9, but I went on clomid a few cycles after my tests, got 2-3 follies and conceived first time (ds1) Tried clomid again when I was 35 and it worked on the 4th(early loss) and 6th cycle (ds2) multiple folicles again.

I've conceived naturally a fair few times too, but they always end in mc. Not sure if the clomid helps or what, but I feel like I owe it infinite thanks for my two precious rainbows.

That's fantastic news, and a very uplifting way to start a Monday! Thank you

 

[Wantaminime]

Over half of my dr's patients are in their 40's and even early 50's. When I first started with him he asked if I wanted to have kids and my age. I was almost 35 and told him that I was getting married soon after my 35th birthday. He told me I had plenty of time If I started trying within the next year and half at that he has seen most people need some help when they are around 40 (obviously everyone is different, but that was what he witnessed in general after 30 years of being an obgyn) ANyway, I got pg a couple months after turning 36. It was my 5th cycle of trying, but 2 of those cycles weren't great as we couldn't time things exactly right etc. Plus that was after coming off birth control after 20 years!!! So I think your dr is being very premature and just instilling fear in you. The real problem with advanced age is that if there is something wrong, we don't have as much time to figure it out and fix it as if we were 20. However, there are tons of people who get pregnant within the first couple months at 35 and even 40, and some people who are 20 and can't get pregnant. Personally I would try for about 4-5 month and have an appt set up in case it doesn't happen. That is what dh and I are doing now. I am on my 4th cycle and have an appt set with my dr at the end of my 5th cycle in case I am not pg yet. Plus I think clomid depends more on your numbers than your age. If you have super high fsh I think it is hard to stimulate the ovaries?? I'm not sure but that is what I had understood...your fsh is fine. Good luck trying! I hope you get pregnant right away so you can rub it in that dr's face!!! And I think it is time for a new dr!!!

It is most definitely time for a new dr!!! I have an appointment with the specialist she scared me into in 1 week and am so anxious to hear what they say. In all honestly I would be happy to wait a couple years before TTC but I've been scared so badly that it could take years if I start now or that I'll miss my window so I'll see the specialist but don't want to really start any kind of serious treatment, and besides, I'm hoping they also think I'm premature for coming to them so soon. Thank you for your insight, you've made me feel better. Good luck to you!