Comparison of Tamoxifen and Clomiphene Citrate for Ovulation Induction in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of tamoxifen and clomiphene citrate in induction of ovulation in women with PCOS and anovulation. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 104 women with PCOS and primary infertility were enrolled after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were allocated in two groups; group A (n=54) received tamoxifen 40 mg once daily (Days 3–7) and group B (n=50) received clomiphene citrate 100 mg once daily (Days 3–7). Serial ultrasounds were done till the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The ovulation and pregnancy rates in both groups were compared. The number of dominant follicles, estradiol levels, and endometrial thickness were also studied. Comparison was done using chi-square and student’s t-test and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The number of dominant follicles and serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in group B (p<0.05), whereas the endometrial thickness was significantly more in group A (p<0.05). The ovulation rates were similar in both groups (66.6% vs. 70%, p=0.715). Pregnancy rate per treatment cycle and per ovulatory cycle was marginally higher in group A (14.81% and 22.22%, respectively), as compared to group B (14% and 20%, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen and clomiphene citrate are both equally effective in induction of ovulation and achieving a pregnancy in women with PCOS.