Clomid is a trade name for clomiphene drug, which is used to treat menstrual disorders and infertility in women. It works by controlling the production of certain hormones in the body. You should not however take this drug during pregnancy or if you are a nursing mom. Clomid or clomiphene is also contraindicated for patients with liver dysfunction. Here is everything you need to know about this popular medication for infertility.
Indications: When Should You Use Clomid Pills?
Since Clomid influences the reproductive system, you should use this drug only on prescription of your doctor. Clomid pills are majorly used to treat female infertility caused by certain irregularities and imbalances in the body. It also helps normalize the menstrual cycle. The medication is usually prescribed for the following conditions:
- Infertility
- Anovulatory cycles
- Ovulation disorders resulting from hypothalamus function deficiency
- Secondary amenorrhea
- Oligomenorrhea or infrequent periods
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Non-cancerous galactorrhea (milky discharge from nipples)
- Polycystic ovarian disease or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome
- Chiari-Frommel Syndrome
Mechanism of Action: How Does Clomid Work?
Clomid is based on the clomiphene drug, which was developed in 1956, and is now available in the public domain ever since the expiry of its patent. Clomiphene is an anti-estrogenic agent. It blocks estradiol from binding with the receptors in the ovaries. As a result of this, reverse negative connection is oppressed and the production of gonadotropins increases, leading to ovulation.
However, when taken in big doses, Clomid slows down the secretion of gonadotropins instead of increasing it. The drug does not display any gestagenic or androgenic activity. When you take the pills orally, the medicine gets absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and metabolizes in the liver. Clomiphene finally comes out through bile and feces.
Recommended Dosage
Since Clomid changes your hormone levels, you should consult your doctor for suitable dosage. According to the instructions that come with the medicine, following dosage is recommended:
- If you have menstruations but no ovulation, start taking 50 mg Clomid tablets per day from the 5th day of menstruation and continue until the 10th day. During this period, you should monitor how the ovaries react to the medication. Usually, ovulation should occur between 10th and 15th day of the menstruation cycle.
- If ovulation doesn’t occur during the above period, you should increase the dosage to 100 mg per day from the next menstrual cycle, and follow the same scheme (from the 5th to 10th day of menstruation).
- If ovulation doesn’t occur even in the second menstruation cycle, repeat the same course of 100 mg dosage in the next menstrual cycle.
- If you fail to ovulate even after 3 complete courses, you should NOT repeat the course until another 3 months.
- If you fail to ovulate even after the second complete course of three months, you should not repeat the course any more.
- Total dosage of Clomid for one complete course must NOT be more than 750 mg.
- In cases where there is no menstruation, you should take 50 mg of Clomid per day for 5 days.
Contraindications: When Should You Avoid Taking Clomid Pills?
Avoid taking Clomid in the following conditions:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergy or intolerance to any of the ingredients of the pills
- Liver disease or dysfunction
- Ovarian cyst
- Visual impairment
- Uterine bleeding
- Cancer
- Decreased pituitary function
Women with kidney problems can continue taking Clomid, but you must monitor kidney functioning regularly during the course.
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions of Clomid
Common side effects of Clomid include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Asthenia (loss of strength)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
Ovaries may increase in size up to 8 cm in some cases. You should monitor basal temperature and ovary size through ultrasound during the treatment. In rare cases, Clomid may also cause itching, dermatitis, chest pain, and disturbed urination. Use of this drug increases the possibility of multiple birth (twins, triplets, etc.)
If Clomid is expensive at your place, you can save significantly by ordering Generic Clomid from RXShopMD online drugstore. However, be sure to contact a doctor to ensure that it is compatible with your existing condition or ongoing medication.