Mar 25, 2014

Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) Explained


Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator similar to Tamoxifen. Clomid is typically used to induce ovulation in females by blocking estrogen in selective tissue in the body. Clomid opposes the negative feedback of estrogens on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian Axis which enhances the release of LH and FSH. Some women report a reduction in female pattern fat deposits when employing a selective estrogen receptor modulator during an anabolic androgenic steroid cycle but typically Nolvadex would be preferred for this purpose over Clomid.

I consider Clomid the recovery drug and would never go into post cycle therapy without it. In men, the effects of Clomid are much more pronounced than women as an increase in FSH and LH will cause a rise in natural Testosterone. After just 7 days of Clomiphene citrate administration (100mg daily), mean serum total T and non-SHBG-bound levels in young men increased by a whopping 100% and 304%, respectively, while in older men these values increased by only 32% and 8%, Similar to previous observations, LH and FSH levels showed a significant elevation in response to Clomiphene citrate over the response to placebo.

Clomid is a very useful compound at the end of an anabolic steroid cycle because Testosterone quickly falls below baseline levels when anabolic steroids are withdrawn. This decline in Testosterone then allows the effects of cortisol to wreak havoc on our new muscle. We quickly go from an anabolic to a catabolic state. Thankfully this crash can be mitigated with Clomid. Clomiphene restores normal testosterone levels and improves sperm motility in most male patients. Clomid may be used on cycle to block the effects of estrogen in male breast tissue therefore reducing the likelihood of gynecomastia however Nolvadex seems the preferred medicine for this purpose. Additionally, Clomid supports improved cardiovascular values.

So how do we maximize the benefits of this recovery medicine? First we need to determine the clearance time of the aas being used. In other words, how long will it take for the anabolic steroid to reach baseline Testosterone levels? Most  anabolic steroids have a published duration in which they are no longer elevating Testosterone above natural levels but this is only an estimate as cycle duration, scar tissue and many multiple depots may extend release times of the aas administered when using injectable compounds. Once it’s determined when to employ Clomid, therapy should be about 4-6 weeks in duration. I like to start with a dose of 50-100mg’s daily for 3 weeks and then reduce that dose to 50mg daily the remainder of the therapy. I recommend getting labs after Clomid therapy to determine if recovery was successful. If not, another Clomid course may be needed.

Clomid users have reported various side effects like dizziness, vision problems, emotional swings and nausea. I personally have had mild vision issues while on Clomid but they went away when I stopped using the medicine. Overall Clomid is a relatively safe compound and in my estimation an absolute necessity for proper recovery.