A 28-year-old woman with PCOS and anovulatory infertility is started on letrozole for ovulation induction. The mechanism of action of letrozole in this context is:
- A Direct ovarian aromatase stimulation
- B Selective estrogen receptor modulation
- C Aromatase inhibition increasing FSH secretion ✓
- D GnRH receptor agonism
Correct answer: C. Aromatase inhibition increasing FSH secretion
Explanation
Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that blocks conversion of androgens to estrogens, reducing estrogen-mediated negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary, thereby increasing FSH secretion and stimulating follicular development. Clomiphene citrate is the SERM used for ovulation induction, not letrozole.
Reference: Fertility and Sterility/ASRM Guidelines, 2017 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.