What is Clomid?

How does Clomid work to increase testosterone levels in men?

Who should consider Clomid?

How It Works

Clomid is the brand name for clomiphene citrate. Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). A SERM acts directly on the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to increase the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH). Elevated GnRH increases Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) section from the pituitary gland. LH and FSH signal the testicle to increase sperm production and increase testosterone production.

Clomid was approved by the FDA in 1967 for the use in women to increase ovulation. It’s use in men to enhance natural endogenous testosterone production was first investigated in 1968. The use of Clomid in men is considered off-label yet for many men Clomid is a great alternative to being on testosterone if fertility is desired to be preserved.

Men who are on Clomid can experience the same benefit as testosterone replacement therapy with reported improvements in libido, energy, cognition and sports performance. Several studies have shown that men with low-T who utilize Clomid can improve their testosterone levels above 500 ng/dl. Given that Clomid is stimulating your natural production of testosterone, supra-physiological levels of testosterone are not normally achieved as in exogenous testosterone admirations where levels can surmount above 1104 ng/dl.

In a study of 52 men who received testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and 24 men who received Clomid for symptomatic relief of hypogonadism results revealed serum testosterone levels increased from pretreatment levels in all men regardless of therapy. Men treated with TRT showed significant increases in qADAM scores in libido, erectile dysfunction and sports performance measures. However, men who received Clomid, qADAM scores for libido were slightly lower following treatment. Unlike testosterone replacement therapy, Clomid may not improve libido as much as exogenous testosterone administration.

The etiology of Clomid’s effect on libido has not been fully elucidated, but it is theorized that modulation of the estrogen receptor could have negative effects on libido. Estrogen is an important hormone to maintain male libido. Modulation of the estrogen receptor by Clomid can impair estrogen action and impair sex drive.

TRT is more effective in raising serum testosterone levels and improving hypogonadal symptoms compared to Clomid. Yet, Clomid remains a viable treatment alternative to utilizing exogenous testosterone.

Side effects of Clomid include dizziness, flushing, headache, abdominal discomfort and visual symptoms. The average dosing Clomid is 25-50mg every day or every other day. Dose titration is optimal.

Clomid remains a great alternative to testosterone therapy, in cases where reproductive potential is desired to be maintained and preserved. Given Clomid’s ease of use, oral tablet, many men select this option of therapy.