Clomid - what is it and how does it work?

Clomid, also known as clomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator primarily used to restore natural hormonal balance after steroid cycles and in the treatment of infertility. After reading this article, you will learn what Clomid is, its properties, its use in sports, the expected effects, as well as the potential side effects and how to properly dose this substance.

Table of Contents:

1. What is Clomid?
2. Clomid – Properties
3. Clomid as a Doping Agent
4. Clomid – Reviews
5. Clomid – How to Use?
6. Clomid – Side Effects

What is clomid?

Clomid, also known by its chemical name clomiphene citrate, is a drug initially used to treat fertility problems in women. However, over time, its use has significantly expanded, especially in sports and bodybuilding communities. Clomid is often used as a post-cycle therapy (PCT) drug to help restore natural hormonal balance, particularly after the use of anabolic steroids that suppress the body's production of testosterone. Clomiphene, the active ingredient in Clomid, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which means it can both block and stimulate these receptors depending on the body's needs.

Clomid – properties

Thanks to its anti-estrogenic properties, Clomid is a key tool in managing side effects after steroid cycles. Its ability to block estrogen receptors in the body prevents issues such as gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breast tissue, which can result from excessive aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. Additionally, Clomid stimulates the hypothalamus to produce luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which in turn stimulate the testes to resume testosterone production, ensuring that the gains made during the steroid cycle, such as increased muscle mass and strength, are not quickly lost.

Clomid as a doping agent

In a sports context, Clomid is used not so much as a direct performance-enhancing drug but as a means to maintain the results achieved after a steroid cycle. Users appreciate Clomid for its ability to minimize the typical negative effects of steroids, such as water retention and unwanted hormonal changes. Thanks to Clomid's properties, athletes can limit potential muscle loss and retain more strength and mass after completing a cycle.

Clomid – reviews

Reviews of Clomid are generally very positive, especially within bodybuilding and anabolic steroid user communities. Users praise Clomid for its effectiveness in minimizing typical post-cycle side effects and helping to maintain achieved results. Many reports on online forums and in professional literature highlight that with proper use, Clomid is reliable in restoring hormonal balance and preventing unwanted estrogenic effects.

Clomid – how to use?

Clomid is used in various doses, depending on the intensity and length of the completed steroid cycle. Typically, post-cycle therapy starts with higher doses that are gradually reduced. A typical dosing regimen might look like this:

• After heavily aromatizing steroid cycles: the initial dose may be up to 300 mg per day for the first few days, then the dose is reduced to about 100 mg per day for the following week.
• In the case of milder cycles: lower doses are used, for example, 50 mg per day for several weeks.

Indications for clomiphene use

Clomid is not only used by bodybuilders or athletes; it also has medical applications, mainly in the treatment of female infertility. In cases of male infertility, Clomid may be prescribed to increase sperm production by stimulating gonadotropic hormones. This demonstrates the versatility of clomiphene, which can be used both for therapeutic purposes and as part of managing steroid cycles.

Clomid – side effects

Although Clomid is considered a relatively safe drug, its use can be associated with certain side effects. The most common complaints include mood swings, vision disturbances, nausea, and headaches. These side effects are mainly due to its impact on hormonal balance and are usually temporary. More serious but rarer side effects include ovarian enlargement in women and the possibility of gynecomastia in men, especially if Clomid is used incorrectly or in excessive doses.

Effects of clomiphene on driving

Research shows that Clomid generally does not negatively affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, in the case of vision disturbances, which is one of the potential side effects, individuals using Clomid should be cautious when engaging in activities that require focused vision, such as driving.

Sources:

https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/20/8/2043/618568 (2005, Clomiphene citrate--end of an era? A mini-review)

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)00643-2/fulltext (2013 Use of clomiphene citrate in infertile women: a committee opinion)

https://www.cureus.com/articles/97172-effectiveness-of-clomiphene-citrate-for-improving-sperm-concentration-a-literature-review-and-meta-analysis) (2022, Effectiveness of Clomiphene Citrate for Improving Sperm Concentration: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis)

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01443610400022983 (2003, Psychological side-effects of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin)