Clomid is a drug with a generic name of Clomiphene, a synthetic form of estrogen. Clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug used to increase the chance of getting pregnant. It is used to help women ovulate (produce a mature egg) properly during their cycle. Compared to other fertility treatments, clomiphene alone does not greatly increase your chances of having multiple babies. Clomid is also a medication that bodybuilders use for PCT, or post cycle therapy. When Clomid is used for bodybuilding, the body may be thrown into a catabolic state because there is almost no testosterone production.
Clomid is indicated for patients with hormonal stimulation deficiencies who are not capable of producing follicles and releasing eggs in ovulation. If ovulation does not appear to occur after the first course of therapy, a second course of 100 mg daily (two 50 mg tablets given as a single daily dose) for 5 days should be given. This course may be started as early as 30 days after the previous one after precautions are taken to exclude the presence of pregnancy. Increasing the dosage or duration of therapy beyond 100 mg/day for 5 days is not recommended.
The recommended dosage of Clomid is 50 mg/day for a maximum period of 5 days. Thereafter, the dosage may be increased medical supervision and guidance to a cyclic dosage of 50 mg. The dosages must not be altered without a qualified medical advice else side effects such as retinal hemorrhage, retinal thrombosis, allergic reaction, anxiety, cataract, erythema multiforme, and acne may occur.
Some patients who use clomiphene citrate get blurred vision or other visual symptoms. In these cases, driving and operating machinery may be dangerous, especially in conditions of variable lighting. If eye symptoms persist, therapy should be stopped, and the patient should have a complete eye examination. Common side effects include ovarian cysts and ovarian enlargement. Some women feel "throbbing" in the ovaries before ovulation, and others report occasional "hot flashes," insomnia, or irritability. About six percent of clomiphene citrate-induced pregnancies are multiple pregnancies, which is more common than for spontaneous ovulation. Most of the multiple pregnancies are twins.
Women with liver disease should not use clomiphene citrate. Patients with abnormal or irregular uterine bleeding should be examined for endometrial or cervical abnormalities before treatment. This medicine should not be given to patients with ovarian cysts, since they may grow larger. It should not be taken by a patient who may be pregnant, although there is no proof of fetal damage. If a patient has not had a menstrual period for a significant length of time, there may a benefit from inducing menstruation with progesterone before using clomiphene citrate therapy.