During this TTC (trying to conceive) journey, I must admit one of the most challenging parts has been the emotional instability. Recently, I had a conversation with James (my husband) and told him, “I don’t feel like myself.” I found myself angry and feeling very unbalanced. So, I remember looking up the side effects when I first started Letrozole but at the time, it was just a list of possible things to watch out for. The longer I took the medication, I found myself being more affected by the side effects of heightened emotions and depressive moods.

Most days I feel okay in terms of feeling balanced or centered. Then others leave me questioning who I am as a person. If I could feel so much rage, am I okay? Who am I?  I like to think of myself as usually a very positive, bubbly, and quirky person. I love to dance, sing, and crack jokes at any given moment. I’m not typically quick to anger but while taking the medication, I sporadically feel easily triggered. It’s as if I don’t know myself in these moments. Letrozole decreases estrogen so that there will be an increase in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which helps produce or mature eggs and follicles.

As we know, my eggs don’t mature so I do need the meds. However, I have made the decision to discuss with my provider the side effects to see if there is a need for any adjustments. I highly recommend reaching out to your physician if you are taking meds for infertility and notice any uncommon or intense symptoms that make you feel unbalanced. I think the journey, although at times, come with its own weight, meds shouldn’t add stress to the process.

Admittedly, I would rather not feel the intense feeling to throw patio furniture or shoe racks, break dishes, etc. Yet, I also would rather be one step closer to holding our bundle of joy. So, If I must take the bad with the good, sobeit. I just want to make sure I am not risking my mental health in the process.