Alpha-Clom ™

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, endometrium, 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 (follicular rupture), ideally leading to conception. Clomiphene citrate is chemically a synthetic estrogen with both agonist/antagonist properties, and in this regard is very similar in structure and action to Tamoxifen citrate. It is believed that both the estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties of clomiphene citrate play a role in its ability to support female fertility.

In men, clomiphene citrate also acts as a partial anti-estrogen, and may be used to counter some of the side effects of aromatizable steroid use including gynecomastia and increased water retention. As an anti-estrogenic drug, clomiphene citrate may also produce an elevation of follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels, which can elevate testosterone production. This effect is especially beneficial at the conclusion of a steroid cycle, when endogenous testosterone levels are depressed.

Clomiphene citrate appears to be well tolerated, with a low incidence of significant side effects. Common adverse reactions during clinical trials included ovarian enlargement (13.6%), vasomotor flushes (10.4%), abdominal discomfort (5.5%), nausea/vomiting (2.2%), breast discomfort (2.1%), visual symptoms (1.5%), headache (1.3%), and abnormal uterine bleeding (1.3%). Data also suggests that the prolonged use of clomiphene citrate may increase the chance of ovarian tumor. Clomiphene citrate is occasionally associated with a serious and potentially life threatening side effect called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Early warning signs of OHSS include abdominal pain and distention, nausea, diarrhea, and weight gain.

5-7 days

Clomiphene citrate is FDA approved for the treatment of women with ovulatory dysfunction preventing pregnancy. The recommended dosage is 50 mg daily for 5 days, which is initiated approximately 5 days into the menstrual cycle. If ovulation does not occur, follow up cycles may use a dosage of 100 mg per day for 5 days. Many clinicians recommend a limit of 6 courses of therapy. When used by men (off-label) to mitigate the estrogenic side effects of anabolic/androgenic steroid use, a daily dosage of 50-100 mg is usually administered while any offending steroids are taken. Note, however, that tamoxifen is usually given preference over clomiphene citrate for this purpose.

More commonly, clomiphene citrate is used by men at a dosage of 50-100 mg per day for 30 days at the conclusion of a steroid cycle, in an effort to bring natural testosterone production back to normal levels. Here, it is usually deemed most appropriate to use as part of a multi-component post-cycle recovery program. Female athletes occasionally use clomiphene citrate for the reduction of estrogenicity near the time of a bodybuilding contest. In some instances this may aid in increasing fat loss and muscularity, particularly in female trouble areas such as the hips and thighs. The drug, however, often produces very troubling side effects in pre-menopausal women, and is likewise not in very high demand among this group.