Clomiphene, often called Clomid, is a simple pill used to help women ovulate when they are not doing so on their own. Doctors prescribe it most commonly for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or unexplained infertility who want to start or improve chances of pregnancy. It’s also used off-label in men to boost natural testosterone by changing hormone feedback to the brain.
Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It tricks the brain into thinking estrogen is low, which raises signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary to release more FSH and LH. Those hormones stimulate the ovaries to develop a mature follicle and trigger ovulation. That makes timing intercourse or insemination easier and often increases pregnancy rates in the right patients.
Typical starting dose for women is 50 mg once daily for five days, usually starting on cycle day 3, 4 or 5. If ovulation does not occur, the dose may be raised to 100 mg for another cycle. Doctors usually limit use to about six cycles because response drops and risks can rise after repeated cycles. For men treated for low testosterone, lower intermittent dosing—like 25 to 50 mg every other day—is common, but that should be guided by labs.
You need basic monitoring while using clomiphene. Many clinics check mid-cycle ultrasound to watch follicle growth or measure mid-luteal progesterone to confirm ovulation. Blood tests for liver function or hormone levels may be used in some cases. Watch for side effects: hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea, and bloating are common. Report any visual changes, severe abdominal pain, or sudden shortness of breath—those can signal rare but serious problems like ovarian hyperstimulation or blood clots.
Clomiphene increases the chance of twins and, less often, higher-order multiples. Expect a twin rate around eight percent in treated cycles, which is higher than natural conception. If you have large ovarian cysts or unexplained vaginal bleeding, your doctor may avoid clomiphene. It’s not given during pregnancy and should be used cautiously with liver disease.
Talk to your fertility clinic about how to time intercourse or insemination, and whether you need ultrasound monitoring. Use ovulation predictor kits if access to ultrasound is limited—those often detect the LH surge that precedes ovulation. Buy medication only from a licensed pharmacy and make sure you have a prescription. Avoid long-term self-treatment without medical follow-up.
If you’re thinking about clomiphene, ask specific questions: What dose will you start with? How will ovulation be confirmed? What happens if you don’t ovulate? Clear answers help you get safer, faster results.
Clomiphene helps about 70% of women ovulate and leads to pregnancy in roughly 10–15% of cycles per attempt, depending on age and cause of infertility. Before starting, most doctors check thyroid, prolactin, and an ultrasound to rule out structural issues. Tell your provider about other medicines, especially hormone treatments. If cycles remain unsuccessful after several tries, ask about moving to injections or IVF. Know your options.
