Clomiphene (Clomid) and its Differing Effects on Women and Men

Clomiphene is a medication that is primarily used to stimulate ovulation in women who have fertility problems. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means that it acts on the estrogen receptors in the body and blocks the effect of estrogen in some tissues, thereby stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Although the primary application is in reproductive medicine for the treatment of female infertility, it has also found use among men using anabolic steroids. It is used in post-cycle therapy (PCT), which helps to restore normal testosterone production after a steroid cycle. Anabolic-androgenic steroids suppress the natural production of testosterone, which can lead to long-term hormonal problems. This is where the benefit of this modulator comes into play, as it stimulates testosterone production by blocking the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to increased gonadotropin production.

Recommended Dosages

The dosage depends on the purpose of use. In women trying to stimulate ovulation, the usual dose is 50 mg daily for a period of 5 days, typically starting from the third to the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. If there is no ovulation after the first cycle, the dose may be increased to 100 mg daily. In men using it for post-cycle therapy, the doses usually range between 50 and 100 mg per day, depending on the severity of the hormonal suppression. The cycle in men typically lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, with the goal of gradually restoring natural testosterone production.

One of the most popular combinations is with tamoxifen, which is also a SERM and helps to prevent the negative effects of estrogen, such as gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men). Additionally, in some cases, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is also used, which directly stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. The combination of these three compounds helps to more effectively restore hormonal balance after a steroid cycle and minimize the risks of hormonal imbalances.