Letrozole as the first-line treatment of infertile women with poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) compared with clomiphene citrate: A clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of letrozole on ovulation induction and pregnancy in comparison with clomiphene citrate in PCOS patients.

The study was based on prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of letrozole as the first-line management of the PCOS patients in comparison to clomiphene citrate during 2009 to 2011 and was performed in one private infertility clinic. The study included 100 patients divided into 2 equal groups.

Pregnancy occurred in 29 of 50 patients in letrozole group (58%) and 24 of 51 patients in clomiphene group (47%). The difference was not statistically significant (P value = 0.23). Thirty patients in clomiphene group and 36 patients in letrozole group showed regular menses after or during the treatment course. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed (P value = 0.21).

Our findings suggest letrozole and clomiphene citrate are equally effective for induction of ovulation and achieving pregnancy in patients with PCOS.