Clomiphene citrate, also known by its brand names Clomid and Serophene, is a drug you have probably heard about. You may be curious how Clomid works and when you might need to take Clomid. Clomid is a fertility drug used to induce ovulation. It is the most commonly prescribed fertility drug.

Not all women with fertility problems should take Clomid. If you are not ovulating, ovulating irregularly, or have irregular periods Clomid may be helpful for you.

Clomid increases FSH production by your own body. FSH is an expensive fertility drug that can be injected. FSH, which stands for follicle stimulating hormone does exactly what it sounds like, it stimulates the follicles to grow and mature. As they grow and ripen they produce more estrogen. This rise in estrogen triggers a release of LH, also known as an LH surge. When LH levels surge, it signals the mature egg to be released from the follicle. Ovulation occurs within 12-24 hours after the LH surge. This is how an ovulation predictor works, it detects to LH surge.

When estrogen attaches to its receptor cell in the brain it knows that estrogen levels are good. Clomid blocks the receptor which keeps the estrogen from attaching. Because the Clomid is blocking the receptors this tricks your body into thinking there is not enough estrogen. If the Clomid does what it is supposed to, your body will be fooled into producing more FSH and LH, which will hopefully cause your body to ovulate.

I will want to see if you are ovulating normally. If you have an irregular cycle there is a good chance you are not ovulating normally. Keep a record of your cycle if you are trying to conceive. You should use an ovulation predictor. Ovulation predictors, such as the Clear Blue Easy, are a great way to determine if and when you are ovulating or if you are not ovulating or ovulating irregularly.

Clomid is generally given on days 3-7 of your cycle. (Two days after the day your period starts) The starting dosage is 50 mg. If you are not having a regular period, I may prescribe medication to induce a period. Clomid should be taken the same time each day for five days. If ovulation occurs it is generally a week or so after taking your last pill. Use an ovulation prediction kit on days 13-17 (also based on day 1 being the first "real" flow day of your cycle) to see if you have ovulated. You should ovulate on day 14 or 15 and if no pregnancy occurs you should start on about the forteenth day after your ovulation.

Clomid Side Effects are hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, visual disturbances, and hyperstimulation syndrome. Tylenol may help to relieve some of these symptoms. There is also a ten percent chance of having twins while taking Clomid and the occasional set of triplets.

Most authorities recommend taking Clomid for no more than six cycles. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, up to 45 percent of women receiving Clomid will become pregnant after six cycles.

FRED CREUTZMANN, M.D. – CARROLLTON - 972-394-7277 or www.DrCmd.com