Clomid For Women: Uses, Benefits and Health Risks

Clomid, also known by the name Clomiphene Citrate, Serophene, is widely prescribed for the treatment of infertility and has been efficacious in facilitating ovulation for a large number of women. Initially developed in the 1960s, it is a well-recognized fertility medication that works as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Essentially, it binds to receptors typically targeted by estrogen, a female hormone, thus naturally increasing Follicle follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women. This increased FSH stimulates the ovaries to mature and release eggs, aiding in ovulation. Clomid can be used independently for inducing ovulation or in combination with other therapies like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

What is Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)?

Clomid is a nonsteroidal fertility medicine that you take orally. Clomid contains clomiphene citrate composition, which stimulates the pituitary gland, a small gland in your brain, to release hormones that help your ovaries develop and release eggs (ovulation). Your body regulates ovulation independently, but sometimes ovulation doesn't happen regularly or entirely stops. It's a pill that helps with fertility, making it easier to become pregnant.

This pill encourages your body to make certain hormones that are important for ovulation, which is when your body releases an egg from your ovaries. It can help you release one or even more mature eggs. Research indicates that nearly 80% of women who have irregular ovulation and use Clomid will start ovulating within the first three months. And around half of them will become pregnant by their third round of treatment.

So, if you are taking or are about to take this drug read below to learn more about clomiphene citrate for women.

What does clomid do?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a medication primarily used to treat infertility in women who have trouble ovulating. Here's what Clomid does:

1. Induces ovulation: Clomid tricks the body into thinking that estrogen levels are low, which signals the brain to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). hese hormones then stimulate the ovaries to produce and release a mature egg, allowing ovulation. In simple terms, Clomid helps the body release an egg so that a woman has a better chance of getting pregnant.
2. Increases chances of pregnancy: By inducing ovulation in women who don't ovulate regularly or at all, Clomid increases the chances of pregnancy by making conception possible.
3. Treats certain ovulatory disorders: if you have PCOS and are planning for pregnancy but are unable to conceive, your doctor can use this medicine to treat ovulatory disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a leading cause of female infertility.
4. Increases egg production: In some cases, your doctor can recommend colomid as it can stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, increasing the chances of conception even further.

Clomid is typically prescribed as a fertility medication for women and is often the first line of treatment for ovulation induction before moving on to more aggressive fertility treatments like gonadotropins or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How Does Clomid Work?

Clomiphene citrate is a potent drug used in medicine. When used carefully and managed properly for patients, clomiphene citrate for women is helpful for those who have trouble ovulating and want to get pregnant. This drug interacts with tissues in the body that contain estrogen receptors, such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, endometrium (lining of the uterus), vagina, and cervix. It competes with estrogen for binding sites on these receptors and can delay the renewal of estrogen receptors inside cells. Clinical trials say clomiphene citrate starts a series of hormonal changes that lead to a surge in gonadotropins (hormones from the pituitary gland) before ovulation and the subsequent release of an egg from the Follicle in the ovary.

Initially, clomiphene therapy boosts the release of gonadotropins, which stimulates the production of steroid hormones and the growth of ovarian follicles, leading to increased levels of estradiol in the blood.

After ovulation, progesterone and estradiol levels rise and fall naturally, just like in a regular menstrual cycle. Studies suggest that both estrogenic (mimicking estrogen) and antiestrogenic (blocking estrogen) properties of Clomiphene may play a role in starting ovulation. The two forms of Clomiphene have been found to have mixed estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, with some evidence suggesting that one form, zuclomiphene, has more substantial estrogenic effects than the other, Clomiphene.

Before starting Clomid, doctors need to make sure there aren't any other problems that could stop pregnancy.

Who Can Use Clomiphene Citrate?

Clomiphene citrate for women is a good option for individuals with certain types of infertility, such as:

1. Infertility: If you've been trying to conceive for a year (or 6 months if you're over 35) and no cause for your infertility has been found, clomiphene citrate might be helpful.

2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods and ovulation problems. Research showed clomiphene citrate can help regulate ovulation in women with PCOS.

3. Irregular periods: If you don't have regular periods, it may be because you're not ovulating regularly. Clomiphene citrate can help regulate your cycle and ovulation.

Women most likely to benefit from Clomid include those with polycystic ovary syndrome, specific hormone imbalances, or those who stopped menstruating after taking birth control pills. It's essential to have sex at the right time during ovulation when using Clomid. Doctors might use tests like temperature tracking to check if ovulation happened. Clomid treatment usually starts around the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.

Doctors usually don't recommend using Clomid for more than six cycles, including three ovulation cycles. Additionally, Clomid can be used by women with consideration that they -

• Are not pregnant.
• Don't have ovarian cysts, except those with polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Don't have abnormal vaginal bleeding. If there's unusual bleeding, it's crucial to check for any signs of cancer.
• Have normal liver function.

Some critical parameters that your doctor may check before starting Clomid are:

• Estrogen Levels
• Primary Pituitary or Ovarian Failure
• Biopsy is done to look for Endometriosis and Endometrial Carcinoma
• Thyroid or adrenal problems, high prolactin levels, and male fertility issues could affect pregnancy.
• Uterine Fibroids should not be there as they can increase in size with clomid treatment.

Also Read: 15 Superfoods to Increase Estrogen Levels in Females

What is the Right Way to Use Clomiphene Citrate for Women?

Clomiphene citrate is usually taken for 5 days, starting on days 3 to 5 of your menstrual cycle. Your doctor will monitor your ovulation with ultrasound scans and ovulation predictor kits to see if the medication works. You'll likely be advised to have intercourse during your most fertile days to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

What Are the Clomid Side Effects in Women?

Clomid side effects in women are mild and go away on their own after you stop taking the medication. These can include:

• Hot flushes
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Blurred vision (in rare cases)
• Mood swings (in rare cases)

Also, Clomiphene citrate doesn't affect hormones like progesterone or androgens (male hormones) or interfere with the functions of the pituitary-adrenal or pituitary-thyroid glands. While there's no proof of clomiphene citrate having a lingering effect, some women have experienced spontaneous ovulation after using it.

What are the Precautions While Taking Clomiphene Citrate?

As there may be interactions, talking to your doctor about any other medications you're taking before starting clomiphene citrate is essential. Also, clomiphene citrate is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, uncontrolled bleeding problems, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or if you have hormone-dependent tumors.

What is the Dosage and Dosing Schedule for using Clomid?

Let us know more about this :

1. Ovulation Induction Dose:

• Take 50 mg orally once daily for 5 days.
• Start therapy on or around the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, but can begin at any time if there has been no recent uterine bleeding.
• If ovulation happens but pregnancy doesn't occur, up to 2 more courses of Clomid, 50 mg orally once daily for 5 days each, may be given.
• Subsequent courses can start as early as 30 days after the previous one and after confirming the absence of pregnancy.
• Most patients ovulate after the first course, but if not, a second course of 100 mg/day for 5 days may be given after 30 days, followed by a third course if necessary.
• The manufacturer doesn't recommend more than three cycles of Clomid, doses higher than 100 mg/day, or treatment longer than 5 days per cycle. Still, some successful pregnancies have been reported with higher doses or more prolonged treatment.

2. Lactation Suppression Dose:

• Take 50 to 100 mg orally once daily for 5 days.
• Generally, one course of therapy is enough.

Clomid side effects in women are minimal, but overdose may cause complications. It is better to consult a doctor about the dosage.

Is there other Important information you must know about clomiphene citrate for women?

Yes, Before starting clomiphene citrate treatment, your doctor must explain to you its risks and usage. The primary purpose of this consumption of Clomiphene is to help you ovulate.

• But sometimes, clomiphene citrate can cause blurred vision or other visual issues.
• Ovary enlargement, Pelvic pain, and weight alterations can occur; you must inform your doctor about that.
• High cholesterol levels can occur, especially if you have a history, so tell your doctor about that.
• Pancreatitis might occur with this.

Do You Wonder if a Breastfeeding Woman Takes Clomid?

You might wonder whether Clomiphene hampers breastfeeding in women. So here is the answer from scientific studies: Clomiphene appeared in low amounts in milk in one woman. Several studies found that Clomiphene suppresses lactation in women who did not want to breastfeed. It lowers serum prolactin, especially the post-stimulation surge in serum prolactin. Clomiphene could interfere with lactation in a nursing mother.

Does clomid cause weight gain?

Yes, clomid can cause weight gain. The possibility of weight gain is due to the bloating which may happen while taking this medication. Clomid can lead to swollen ovaries which gives a feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdominal area. You may also sense a tender-like feel in your stomach or like you are holding the water's weight. If the weight gain is linked with bloating issues, it can subside after a few weeks when you stop having the clomid. So, the best practice to avoid the bloat-like feel is to drink plenty of water and avoid soda or carbonated drinks.

What things to do or avoid while taking clomid?

• While taking Clomid (clomiphene citrate) for fertility treatment, it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and make certain lifestyle adjustments to increase the chances of successful ovulation and pregnancy.
• Firstly, take Clomid exactly as prescribed, usually starting on days 3-5 of your menstrual cycle. Engage in regular intercourse during your predicted fertile window, typically 5-10 days after the last Clomid pill, and monitor yourself for signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus or using an ovulation predictor kit.
• Attend all scheduled monitoring appointments with your doctor for ultrasounds and bloodwork, and stay well-hydrated while getting enough rest. Additionally, take prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor.
• On the other hand, there are certain things to avoid while taking Clomid. Studies say please refrain from smoking or using alcohol or tobacco products, as they can reduce fertility. Strenuous exercise during treatment may interfere with ovulation, so it's best to avoid it.
• Do not double the dosage or extend the treatment cycle without consulting your doctor, and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, such as hot tubs or saunas, as they may impact fertility.