Infertility in women: an update

To review pharmacologic therapy of infertility disorders in women.

Current clinical literature.

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The complex interplay of hormones and cells is the focus of most pharmacotherapeutic interventions in women with infertility problems. Treatment remains more of an art than a science at this time. Since the cause of infertility cannot be identified in many cases, practitioners use medications to overcome potential problems with anovulation, secondary ovarian failures, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, and hyperprolactinemia. This article reviews the use of clomiphene, human chorionic gonadotropin, menotropins such as human menopausal gonadotropin and urofollitropin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and dopamine agonists.

Although few pharmacists are closely involved in the treatment of women with infertility, they can be sources of information, monitor families for signs and symptoms of psychologic stress associated with treatments, and help patients with practical instructions.