Clomid (clomiphene citrate)

Clomiphene citrate is an anti estrogenic drug that is prescribed to women to treat anovulatory infertility (inability to ovulate). In clinical medicine it is specifically referred to as a nonsteroidal ovulatory stimulant. The drug works by interacting with estrogen receptors, often in an antagonistic manner, in various tissues of the body including the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrial, vagina, and cervix. One main focus is that the drug will oppose the negative feedback of estrogens on the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis, enhancing the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH). This surge in gonadotropins may cause egg release, ideally leading to conception. Clomiphense is very similar in structure to the popular drug  nolvadex. Clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug with a substantial history of use in the United States. It first gaiined widespread acceptance during the early 1970s, and has been a drug common to the fertility practice ever since. The drug is now considered a standard medication for certain forms of fertility therapy, and has been adopted as such far outside the United States border. The drug is now presently available in most nations worldwide. The most two popular brand names for clomiphene citrate are Clomid and Serofen, although the drug can be found under numerous other trade names as well.

Clomid, as it is most often called, is one of the most popular PCT drugs today, and is a staple of most bodybuilder's protocol. Clomid is typically prescribed for women to aid in ovulation. In men, the application of Clomid causes an elevation of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. As a result, natural testosterone production is also increased. This effect is obviously beneficial to the athlete, especially at the conclusion of a cycle when endogenous testosterone levels are subnormal. Clomid will gradually raise testosterone levels over its period of intake. Clomid is typically prescribed for women to aid in ovulation. In men, the application of Clomid causes an elevation of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. As a result, natural testosterone production is also increased. This effect is obviously beneficial to the athlete, especially at the conclusion of a cycle when endogenous testosterone levels are subnormal. Clomid will gradually raise testosterone levels over its period of intake. Clomid is also effective as an anti-estrogen. With the intake of Clomid, the athlete gets the dual effect of blocking out some of the effects of estrogen, while also increasing endogenous testosterone production.

For the most part users will maintain doses of the drug between 25mgs to 150mgs per day on a consistent basis. Often times users will "frontload" the compound using doses of between 200-300mgs on the first day of their post-cycle therapy and then reduce the subsequent doses. However the side effects associated with large doses of the compound may hinder some individuals' abilities to do this. Some users also advocate tapering the dose of clomiphine citrate during the last few weeks of administration. However this is more a practice that is based upon theory rather than solid medical evidence of it's productivity. In terms of dosing length it seems that at least 3 weeks of clomiphine citrate therapy is recommended by users. Of course each has their own preferences along with individual recovery schedules. Also the types of compounds used and the duration of a cycle will of course influence the time it takes for a user to recover and the need for a lengthy post-cycle therapy.