Clomid – what it is, how it works, how to dose.
Basic information about the measure in the shortest, most informative form
- general description
Clomid is the common name for clomiphene citrate, a drug used to treat female infertility. Its action is to reduce the negative effect of oestrogens on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, enhancing the secretion of LH and FSH, which has the effect of stimulating the onset of ovulation.
- general action
However, this is not the only use of this preparation – it is also used in doping. The action of clomiphene citrate is based on blocking the action of oestrogens in the body – in terms of chemical structure, this substance is a synthetic oestrogen. By stimulating the release of luteinising and folliculotropic hormones, it stimulates the release of testosterone. Clomid plays a huge role in preventing the phenomenon of increased cortisol levels in the body after steroid withdrawal. This is because excess cortisol has a very negative effect on the synthesis of skeletal muscle-building proteins, and it can be prevented by increasing testosterone secretion.
- supportive effect on endogenous testosterone production
LH is responsible for testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells in the testes. FSH, on the other hand, is responsible for protein synthesis in the Sertoli cells. This action is impaired when testosterone levels in the body are too low. Clomid – acting through feedback – influences LH secretion, which restores normal secretion of endogenous testosterone. A number of scientific studies have shown that administering clomiphene citrate to men with insufficient testosterone levels produced effects very similar to those produced by testosterone preparations.
Clomid is primarily recommended for those bodybuilders who have just finished a cycle of taking a highly androgenic steroid. On the market, the substance is available in both tablet and liquid form.
4 Action to support endogenous testosterone production cont.
During PCT (Post Cycle Therapy), testosterone levels are restored to appropriate levels (via stimulation of luteinising and folliculotropic hormone secretion), so that performance, strength and muscle form are not compromised. The return to testosterone secretion at the desired level should occur gradually throughout PTC.
5 Dosage
The dose most commonly used is 50 to 100 mg daily. Clomid at this dose should be used for a period of 4-6 weeks, which is adequate time to restore testosterone production to adequate levels. It is also sometimes advisable to start with a high dose (known as a “bump dose”) of 250 mg and then gradually reduce the dose on subsequent days. In this situation, 100 mg of Clomid should be taken for one week, followed by 50 mg of Clomid for another week.
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If one wishes to further increase the effectiveness of the preparation, it may be used together with HCG, which has the effect of restoring the correct response of the testes to endrogenic LH. HCG can, however, be used for no longer than two or a maximum of three weeks, as its prolonged use may cause a negative effect of oestrogens and testosterone on the functioning of the hypothalamus. The use of HCG in combination with Clomid, however, will not bring the expected results if some preparations are used at the same time, for example Sustanon. It is therefore worth analysing the composition of the preparations currently being taken and the interactions they may have before starting treatment.
6 Side effects
Clomid is considered to be a relatively safe preparation – usually side effects do not occur, or are not particularly troublesome. If side effects occur, Clomid should be discontinued.
The side effects occurring most frequently are:
- Excessive fatigue
- Vomiting, nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Visual disturbances (gloom, macular, blurred vision, flickering) – in some cases irreversible, especially after high doses or prolonged treatment
- Photophobia
- Vascular hot flashes (disappearing after treatment)
- Paroxysmal facial flushing
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