What is involved in a Clomid "cycle"?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone help me understand what is involved in a Clomid "cycle"? I just started seeing an RE and this is what she recommended. As I understand it, this means I will have regular blood monitoring and ultrasounds during this cycle while trying Clomid for the first time. My question is - is all the monitoring necessary? My insurance won't cover all the bloodwork and ultrasounds, and I am trying to decide if the monitoring is worth it or if I should see what happens by trying the Clomid without all the monitoring. This is all new to me, so please forgive the basic questions.

[Anonymous]

Unless you want octuplets you should be monitored.

[Anonymous]

The reason for monitoring is that Clomid causes some women to produce multiple follicles, which could result in multiple births,

[Anonymous]

Also, Clomid often causes your lining to thin -- if it gets too thin, your RE may decide that there's little chance of an embryo implanting. No point taking clomid if it's not going to work (due to a thin lining)