The Clomid fertility drug is the most commonly used drug in the course of treatment for women with fertility problems. Clomid is the most well-known brand name under which clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is marketed. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
This drug is first line therapy for inducing ovulation and has proven its efficacy in over 80 percent of all cases. It is used to treat women with irregular cycles, unovulating cycles and women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. Because Clomid comes in the form of a pill, it is easy to use and not as expensive as other fertility drugs.
The Clomid fertility drug works by inhibiting the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, thus ‘tricking the brain’ into believing the estrogen levels in the body are low. This triggers an increased production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which in turn stimulate follicle development in the ovary. This process is called ovulation induction.
Clomid is initiated at a dose of 50 mg daily, for five days, starting on day 3, 4 or 5 of the cycle (day one being the onset of the woman’s period). If ovulation does not occur after a cycle of treatment, the dose can be increased. Clomid can be taken for up to six months or let’s call them six cycles, after which the treatment must be stopped for a short while.
Ovulation usually occurs after 5 to 9 days after the woman has taken the last pill in the cycle. Women might ovulate and conceive in the first month of taking clomid, or it may take two to three months of treatment for them to start ovulating regularly.
Clomid has side-effects that range from minor discomfort, to more serious medical issues. The Clomid side effects that most women cite are weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness and hot flashes. A small percentage of patients subjected to the treatment with Clomid, also experience reversible alopecia, blurred vision or pelvic pain generated by a swelling of the ovaries.
In more rare cases, women suffered from abnormal uterine bleeding. This is why Clomid should only be taken by medical prescription, and under medical supervision. Women who experience the more serious side-effects, should immediately see their doctor about them.
It is very important to understand that a misuse of fertility drugs can have serious consequences for your health, and prior to starting a fertility treatment with Clomid, you need to undergo a set of tests to identify the exact cause for your infertility. While this drug can help women with irregular cycles, in women with no ovulatory issues or infertility symptoms, it can actually interfere with conception.
Like most prescription meds, Clomid too shouldn’t be administered to patients suffering from liver-disease. It shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy, or if the patient suffers from ovarian cysts (since they might grow larger). Patients suffering from endocrine disorders or chronic illnesses are not allowed to take Clomid.
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