Adding phytoestrogens to clomiphene induction in unexplained infertility patients – a randomized trial

Abstract This study investigated the role of oral phytoestrogens in improving pregnancy rate and cycle outcomes with clomiphene citrate. Patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent clomiphene citrate induction failure, were randomly divided into two groups: group I ( n = 60) and group II ( n = 59). Both groups received clomiphene citrate 150 mg per day (days 3 to 7). Group I received additional oral phytoestrogen ( Cimicifuga racemosa ) 120 mg/day from days 1 to 12. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection (10,000 IU i.m.) was given and timed intercourse was recommended when a leading follicle reached >17 mm and serum oestradiol exceeded 200 (pg/ml). There was a non-significant shortening of induction cycles in group I. Oestradiol and LH concentrations were higher in group I compared with group II. Endometrial thickness, serum progesterone and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher in group I (8.9 ± 1.4 mm versus 7.5 ± 1.3 mm, P < 0.001; 13.3 ± 3.1 ng/ml versus 9.3 ± 2.0 ng/ml, P < 0.01; 36.7% versus 13.6%, P < 0.01, respectively). It is concluded that adding C. racemosa rhizome dry extract to clomiphene citrate induction can improve the pregnancy rate and cycle outcomes in these couples.