Clomid
clomiphene citrate
Clomid is the commonly referenced brand name for the drug clomiphene
citrate. It is not an anabolic steroid, but a prescription drug
generally prescribed to women as a fertility aid. This is due
to the fact that clomiphene citrate shows a pronounced ability
to stimulate ovulation. This is accomplished by blocking/minimizing
the effects of estrogen in the body. To be more specific Clomid
is chemically a synthetic estrogen with both agonist/antagonist
properties, and is very similar in structure and action to Nolvadex.
- Clomid is also an estrogen that works very
well as an anti-estrogen.
- Clomid
cuts down on the risks of AAS side effects
such as gynocomastia.
Clomiphene citrate comes in 50-mg tablets that are taken on days 5-9
of your cycle or, less typically, on days 4-8 or 3-7. There is some
preliminary research that indicates that an earlier start date may
result in more pregnancies, but most gynecologists continue to prescribe
it for days 5-9. One recent study (Biljan et al, cited below) actually
tried prescribing Clomid on cycle days 1-5. While none of the participants
in their day 5-9 group resulted in pregnancy, 24 percent of the women
who took Clomid on days 1-5 were able to conceive.
Daily doses range from 50 mg to 200 mg. A few doctors will
prescribe as much 250 mg per day, but this is rare and goes
against manufacturer's suggestions. The Merck Manual, a reputable
sourcebook for health care professionals, suggests no more than
150 mg per day.
Clomid works by affecting the hormonal chain reactions that
regulate the process of ovulation. At the start of each menstrual
cycle, the hypothalamus (a gland in the brain) sends gonadotrophin-releasing
hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
The pituitary then releases another hormone--follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH)--that signals your ovaries to step up their production
of the hormone estrogen. Clomid binds to receptors in the brain
so that your brain can't perceive that your ovaries are making
estrogen. Because your brain thinks your ovaries aren't making
estrogen, it continues making more follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH). The FSH signals your ovaries to step up the production
of more estrogen, causing your estrogen levels to rise higher
than they normally would and to remain high for longer than
usual. Higher estrogen levels for a longer period of time will
cause more eggs to be ovulated with no guarantee that those
eggs are viable.
Side effects:
Generally well tolerated. Patients on prolonged clomiphene citrate
therapy may show elevated serum levels of desmosterol.
Average dosage:
25-200 mcg/day
