Clomid® (clomiphene citrate) is one of the first treatments usually recommended for women suffering from infertility. Clomid is a well tested treatment that doctors have many years of experience with. It is also a relatively safe and low risk medicine. Clomid is used to treat ovary disorders and malfunctions and to prepare women for a clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT). It helps the ovaries to perform two functions. It helps to produce eggs. Clomid also helps to produce the hormones needed in the pregnancy process.
Clomifene molecule
Clomid reduces estrogen production. Low estrogen levels cause the pituitary gland produce more hormones to raise estrogen levels. The pituitary gland produces more FSH and LH hormones which stimulate follicle and egg production in the ovaries. By strengthening the weak egg producing processes, the ovaries produce more eggs. Clomid can often help women who have eggs only two or three months per year to produce every month. This greatly increases the changes of becoming pregnant.
Clomid also corrects luteal phase deficiency (LPD). In LPD, the ovaries don't produce enough luteal hormone (LH). Luteal hormone maintains the uterus's blood vessels which nourishes the embryo. Lack of LH causes the uterine lining to fall out, similar to what happens in a monthly period. Even when a women becomes pregnant, if her uterine lining is not strong enough, she miscarries.
Clomid Treatment
Clomid treatment is usually preceded by tests to determine what is causing infertility. If appropriate, the male partner should also be tested for infertility. If the problem is in the ovaries, clomid is the first treatment usually given. Clomid is taken orally starting on the cycle day 3, 4 or 5 and continued for five days. Clomid is usually effective within three to six months and pregnancy does not occur doctors usually switch to another method.
Clomid is one of the safest fertility drugs available. However, a small percentage of women do experience side effects, including: hot flashes; headaches; mood changes; vaginal dryness; and visual disturbances. These should be reported to a doctor immediately. Repeated, monthly Clomid usage should also be preceded by an ultrasound or a simple pelvic examination at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, many doctors do not perform this simple but important test.
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