Endocrine drugs: ovulation induction: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pharmacology · Endocrine drugs: ovulation induction

Sample item

A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome and anovulatory infertility is offered an oral agent for ovulation induction. Which drug is now often preferred over clomiphene, and why?

ADanazol, which increases ovulationBLetrozole, which gives higher live birth rates with fewer multiple pregnanciesCFinasteride, which stimulates FSHDTamoxifen, which is more effective

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Letrozole, which gives higher live birth rates with fewer multiple pregnancies

Clomiphene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator that blocks hypothalamic feedback, raising FSH. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, lowers oestrogen to similar effect, and trials in PCOS show better live birth rates. Both are used off-label for this indication in India.

Option by option

A. Danazol, which increases ovulation
Danazol is an androgenic steroid and not used for this.
B. Letrozole, which gives higher live birth rates with fewer multiple pregnancies (correct)
Correct. Letrozole is now generally preferred in PCOS.
C. Finasteride, which stimulates FSH
Finasteride does not stimulate ovulation.
D. Tamoxifen, which is more effective
Tamoxifen is not the standard.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, Letrozole, which gives higher live birth rates with fewer multiple pregnancies. Clomiphene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator that blocks hypothalamic feedback, raising FSH.

Why is "Danazol, which increases ovulation" not the answer?

Danazol is an androgenic steroid and not used for this.

Why is "Finasteride, which stimulates FSH" not the answer?

Finasteride does not stimulate ovulation.

Why is "Tamoxifen, which is more effective" not the answer?

Tamoxifen is not the standard.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine drugs: ovulation induction in Pharmacology. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, lowers oestrogen to similar effect, and trials in PCOS show better live birth rates. Both are used off-label for this indication in India.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrine drugs: ovulation induction?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.