what does letrozole do for fertility

Letrozole is a medication that promotes ovulation by blocking a substance in the body called aromatase, which ultimately lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. When estrogen decreases, the body secretes hormones that help ovulation induction. Letrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor that is FDA-approved as a breast cancer treatment, but it is also widely used safely and effectively to increase the chances of getting pregnant. Letrozole is a common treatment for infertility caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other ovulation disorders or in cases where the cause of infertility is unknown. It can also be used for people who can ovulate but still have problems getting pregnant, often recommended in combination with intrauterine insemination. In an IVF cycle, letrozole may be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve the chances of successful ovulation and subsequent fertilization. It can also help improve the response to gonadotropin medications, which are commonly used during IVF treatment. Letrozole is useful for ovulatory disorders because it can help promote ovulation.