Fighting Female Infertility with Bromocriptine

If you are experiencing problems getting pregnant, you may be considering trying different fertility treatments to help increase you chances of conception. There are numerous fertility drugs available on today's market that can help to increase ovulation and normalize the menstrual cycle. Bromocriptine is taken by some women in order to help combat the side effects of certain fertility-affecting illnesses. Ask your reproductive endocrinologist if bromocriptine is right for you.

What is Bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine is a fertility medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. Sold under the brand name Parlodel, Bromocriptine works to suppress the production of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. Bromocriptine is used to help restore fertility in women with specific prolactin-related disorders.

How does Bromocriptine Work?
Bromocriptine works by mimicking the action of special neurotransmitters found in your brain. When you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, excess production of prolactin is prevented by the action of certain neurochemicals. Sometimes though, there are not enough neurochemicals to prevent prolactin levels from rising. Bromocriptine mimics the action of these neurotransmitters, tricking the pituitary gland into stopping production of prolactin.

Who Can Use Bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine is used primarily in the treatment of prolactin-related disorders. Some women have pituitary glands that produce too much prolactin. These high levels of prolactin inhibit the production of FSH and LH, thereby interfering with ovulation and menstruation. Some common prolactin disorders include:

• hyperprolactinemia
• pituatiry tumors
• hypogonadism

How is Bromocriptine Taken?
Bromocriptine is typically taken orally, on a daily basis. Dosage usually begins at 2.5 milligrams per day, however this can be increased by your reproductive endocrinologist if lower levels are not effective. Bromocriptine usually takes between six and eight weeks to begin to work, so it is important that you do not discontinue use of this medication too early. Bromocriptine is taken until pregnancy occurs. Bromocriptine can be taken vaginally if side effects become intolerable.

What are the Side Effects of Bromocriptine?
Unfortunately, bromocriptine is associated with some side effects. Common side effects include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• fatigue
• diarrhea

In order to lessen these side effects, increase your bromocriptine dosages slowly or take them with food. Side effects will decrease as your body becomes adapted to the drug.

Success Rates of Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine is very effective at restoring ovulation and menstruation. In fact, almost 90% of those women taking Bromocriptine have their ovulation restored. Between 65% and 85% of these women become pregnant.

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