Clomifene Citrate is a most popular drug for treatment of infertility in women. It is sold under different brand names such as Clomid, Milophene and Serophene.It is also available in the generic name. The reasons for its popularity are that it is successful in 80% of the cases to stimulate ovulation and also that 25% of female factors for infertility are related to the problems with ovulation. Besides the drug does not have very severe side effects.

Clomid Method of Action:
Clomid increases the gonadotrophins by controlling negative feedback in function of hypothalamus. It is used primarily to treat the condition of women called anovulation that causes infertility. Clomid is given in the beginning of menstrual cycle like on day 1, 3 or 5 for five days. During the period FSH level increases causing development of follicles and thereby estrogen; Clomid inhibits action of estrogen on pituitary. This results in body reaching a low estrogen level which is present on day 22 in the cycle. Negative feedback of estrogen on hypothalamus being blocked increases pituitary gonadotrophin release and the production of more follicles rupture causing ovulation.

Clomid Dosage and effectiveness:
Clomid is prescribed to treat infertility caused by problems in ovulations but not for problems like blocked fallopian tubes, in which case the stimulation of ovulation has no effect in achieving fertilization if the fallopian tubes are blocked. It is only used in cases where women have irregular cycles or the cycles are anovulatory- menstruation without ovulation. It is also used in a condition called polysystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which also results in infertility. It is also preferred treatment as it is comparatively less expensive.

Women must follow the direction of the doctor about the duration and the dosage of clomid treatment. Commonly, 50 mg clomid is taken for five days in the early period of the cycle. Usually it is recommended to be taken on day 3 to day 7. Dosage can be increased if it is found that 50 mg does not work for you. But very high dosage can actually prevent conception.

Side effects of Clomid:
The good thing about Clomid is that it does not have severe adverse effects compared to the other fertility drugs. The common side effects observed are breast tenderness, hot flashes, mood variations and nausea. But these minor side effects will vanish once the Clomid is stopped.

One more “side effect” of Clomid treatment is that it increases the chances of getting twins by 10% though chances of getting triplets is miniscule.

For woman whose infertility is related to not producing ovulation Clomid offers a successful treatment with not any severe side effects.