What is Clomid?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an oral medication that has been used to treat infertility in women since the 1970s. Basically, it stimulates ovulation by producing a higher level of gonadotropins, increasing the chances of pregnancy. Clomid is prescribed to women with medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which suppresses natural ovulation.

Not just for fertility, but Clomid is also used for bodybuilding. Most bodybuilders use anabolic steroids that have certain side effects. Clomiphene is used to get rid of those side effects and stimulates the testosterone levels in their body. But before getting into that, let's discuss how exactly Clomid works for women.

How does Clomid Work in Women?

Clomid blocks the estrogen receptors in your body which makes your body think that your estrogen levels are lower than they actually are, resulting in an increased secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. The job of FSH is to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries, which will each produce one egg. Whereas, LH is responsible for the release of those eggs. This process is known as ovulation.

DOSAGE of Clomid

Firstly, your doctor will examine you for any conditions that could prevent you from safely using Clomid. They are 50 mg tablets, usually prescribed at the 4-5th day of your menstrual cycle, and are used for about 5-10 days. Avoid using it more or less than what your doctor has prescribed. Typically, Clomid is not consumed for more than 3 treatment cycles. If you don’t start to ovulate by then, you should move towards more intensive fertility treatments.

Clomid in Bodybuilding – During a Steroid Cycle

More often than not, athletes use anabolic steroids in order to promote muscle building. While they help in protein synthesis, increasing your muscle mass, there are some side effects of it. These steroids convert into estrogen- the “female” sex hormone. Increased levels of estrogen may lead to the development of female breast growth (gynecomastia), which is undesirable in bodybuilding.

Clomid has anti-estrogenic properties, therefore when taken on a steroid cycle stops the function of estrogen. This helps fight the side effects regarding the increased estrogen levels during a steroid cycle.

Clomid in Bodybuilding- During a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

PCT is a procedure started right after your steroid cycle ends, to get your natural hormonal levels back to normal. During the steroid cycle, high levels of synthetic testosterone are entering your body. A higher than usual level is detected by the body, so it stops the production of normal testosterone. When your steroid cycle ends, the testosterone levels in your body suddenly crash and become extremely low.

What PCT does is act as a catalyst to speed up the production of normal testosterone in your body. Without PCT, getting your hormonal levels back on track could take many months or even a whole year. Now, this is where Clomid comes into play. As I have mentioned before, Clomid blocks the estrogen receptors which stimulates the levels of FSH and LH. In men, an increased level of LH translates to more testosterone production. Thus, using Clomid raises testosterone levels by a significant amount, bringing your hormonal levels back to normal.

DOSAGE

A PCT cycle usually lasts for around 3-4 weeks. A dose of 25-50 mg tablet must be used regularly for the duration. It is advised not to go above a 50mg dose as it can be proved dangerous if taken excessively.

Note: Clomid is a prescription-only drug and should always be used under the care of a  certified doctor.

Does it actually work?

Scientific research shows that using Clomid is indeed effective for improving testosterone levels, treating hormonal imbalances. As per studies, men between the ages of 18-55, used Clomid regularly and results show a 2x increase in their testosterone levels. In some participants, it took around 3-4 weeks to reach the same result, with no side effects reported. Even the long-term use of Clomid over several years did not result in any apparent side effects. Blood- cholesterol levels remained normal, and no weight loss/ gain was observed. This proves that clomiphene does work without any significant harm.

Side effects

Even though there were almost no negative impacts reported by the users, there are still some side effects that one could experience during the use of clomiphene.

●     Blurred vision

●     Nausea

●     Headache

●     Uterine bleeding

●     Irritably

●     Mood swings

Note: Women using clomiphene may experience at least one of the above-mentioned side effects. 

FAQs

What does Clomid do to you?

Clomid is an effective drug that is used in the medical field to solve pregnancy issues or infertility in females and PCT or post-cycle therapy. Therefore, its impact on your health mainly depends on the purpose of using it. 

During PCT or work to balance hormonal production while in medical terms Clomid is usually consumed to enhance evolution or more eggs production. Therefore, it is quite effective to treat infertility in women.  

Is Clomid good for fertility?

Yes, Clomid is an effective drug to treat infertility in females. The reason is that it has strong properties to cause ovulation in women and increase the chance of conception.  

What is Clomid used for pregnancy?

It is not used during pregnancy but to cause pregnancy because it mainly works to cause women to ovulate more regularly. 

Can Clomid cause twins?

Yes, Clomid consumption increases the chances of twins. The reason is that it promotes evolution in women which results in more egg production and their binding with sperm to cause pregnancy.  

Can I get pregnant fast with Clomid?

It may vary from individual to individual. Some women may be got pregnant right after consuming Clomid while some may need more treatment depending on the underlying reason for infertility. 

When is the best time to take Clomid?

The best way to determine a time to consume Clomid is to consult with your doctor. However, Clomid is usually taken on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle and consumed regularly for 5 consecutive days. 

Can I take Clomid with folic acid?

Yes, consuming Clomid with Folic acid or other prenatal vitamins increases its effectiveness. 

Does Clomid stop your period?

No, Clomid does not stop your menstrual cycle. If your periods stopped during Clomid Consumption, it might be a sign of pregnancy and you need to consult with your doctor immediately. 

What to avoid while on Clomid?

Clomid is quite effective to treat infertility and neutralize natural hormonal production but avoiding precautions can cost you massive troubles. Therefore, avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, and eating unhealthy food when taking this synthetic drug. 

Can I take Clomid every month?

No, using Clomid regularly is not safe for your physical and sexual health. You should consult your doctor before consuming it or for a more accurate consultation. 

What are the signs that Clomid is working?

It varies from individual to individual. The most common signs that Clomid is working may include; 

• Increased cervical mucus 

• Increased basal body temperature

• Evolution pain 

Make sure to monitor and consult your doctor regularly to achieve desired results. 

What is the 5-day rule for Clomid?

The 5-day rule means taking Clomid for 5 consecutive days. It usually starts on the 5th day of the period. 

Can Clomid cause a delay in the period?

Yes, Clomid users can experience a change in menstrual cycle timings and delay. In any case, don't forget to consult with your doctor. 

Will I ovulate naturally after stopping Clomid?

Yes, you can ovulate naturally after stopping Clomid. However, it can vary from individual to individual. Some women may start naturally ovulating after stopping Clomid and some may require further treatment to ovulate.