Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): What to know before you start

Clomiphene citrate — often called Clomid — is a common first-line medicine to trigger ovulation. If you or your partner are trying to conceive, this drug is often offered when cycles are irregular or ovulation isn’t happening. Below I explain how it works, what to expect, and practical tips so you can use it safely and effectively.

How it works and who it helps

Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. That means it blocks estrogen signals in the brain, which makes your pituitary gland raise FSH and LH levels. Those hormones tell the ovaries to mature and release an egg. It’s most often used for people with PCOS or unexplained anovulation. Some doctors also prescribe low doses to men to improve sperm and testosterone levels, but that’s a different plan and needs monitoring.

Practical dosing, monitoring, and timing

Typical dosing starts at 50 mg once daily for 5 days, usually beginning on cycle day 3, 4, or 5. If there’s no response, doctors may raise it to 100 mg. Most clinicians limit use to about six cycles — response beyond that is unlikely and risks rise. You’ll likely have at least one ultrasound mid-cycle to watch follicle growth and check the uterine lining. Ovulation predictor kits and charting basal body temperature are simple ways to time intercourse or insemination.

Expect to ovulate about 5–10 days after finishing the pills, though timing varies. If a mature follicle is seen, some clinics give an hCG injection to trigger ovulation at a precise time and improve chances for timed intercourse or IUI.

Common side effects are hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and nausea. Less common but more serious issues include visual disturbances, ovarian enlargement, and severe abdominal pain — call your provider right away for those. Clomiphene slightly increases the chance of twins (about 5–10%) but the risk of higher-order multiples is low with standard dosing.

Some quick safety notes: don’t take clomiphene if you’re already pregnant, and tell your doctor about liver disease or hormonal tumors. Avoid buying medication from unverified online pharmacies — you should have a prescription and medical follow-up.

Small changes can improve response: losing even 5–10% body weight if overweight often helps with ovulation, and quitting smoking may improve outcomes. Keep a cycle log—dates, medication, testing, symptoms—so you and your provider can spot patterns quickly.

Before starting, ask your doctor: Why this drug for me? What dose and monitoring plan? When do we stop or change treatment? What are clear signs to call you? Having answers makes the treatment less stressful and more likely to work.

If you want, I can add a simple checklist to print for clinic visits or a short sample cycle calendar to help time tests and intercourse. Want that?