Clomid: A Crash Course
I’ve written about my experience with Clomid before and expressed my reluctance to take it again.
But I’ve never talked about exactly what Clomid is and how it works.
So, in case you’ve ever wanted to know more about it, let me tell you what I have learned.
How does Clomid work?
Clomiphene Citrate, most often referred to as Clomid or Serophene, is an oral medication used to stimulate ovulation. It works by blocking estrogen receptors, tricking the body into thinking estrogen levels are low, which stimulates the brain into releasing two naturally-occurring hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which causes follicles in the ovaries to ripen, and luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers the release of an egg(s).
Have I lost you yet? No? Good!
Why is Clomid prescribed?
Clomid can help women who are trying to conceive but have struggled with:
- Irregular ovulation: When a woman struggles with irregular periods, it can be difficult to know when to expect ovulation. Clomid can help make ovulation more predictable, which allows for properly timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Male factor fertility problems: When a problem with semen quality is present, IUIs can help to increase the likelihood that the sperm reaches the egg. Clomid helps to perfectly time those IUIs.
- Unexplained infertility: Clomid can help healthy couples who have been evaluated with no clear diagnosis of what is causing their infertility by helping the sperm and the egg to meet up where they should.
How is Clomid prescribed?
On the first day of your cycle, you’ll call your doctor to schedule a pelvic exam and to finalize the timing of your Clomid cycle. A typical dosage is 1 to 3 tablets a day for 5 days early in your cycle (either on cycle days 3-7, or 4-8).
Ovulation typically occurs 7-8 days following completion of the Clomid. Because your ovaries are stimulated, you could experience some bloating or discomfort with intercourse.
Your doctor will need to verify ovulation, which can be done a few different ways, including basal body temperature testing, ovulation predictor kit testing, an office ultrasound, and/or blood tests. At your visit, your doctor will tell you when to expect ovulation in that cycle, when to time your intercourse or IUI, and if/when you will need a follicle scan or ultrasound to confirm that you ovulated.
How will it make you feel?
While taking Clomid, you may experience hot flashes, suffer from moodiness, or experience changes in your sleep pattern. Some lucky women experience no symptoms at all.
What are the risks associated with taking Clomid?
- Though rare, Clomid can cause hyperstimulation of the ovaries.
- The chance of multiples is slightly higher in women who take Clomid, at 6-8%.
- Some of the truly rare side effects of Clomid include vision changes, hair thinning, hives, and dizziness.
When I took Clomid before, I was a sweaty angry mess. So, if I’m cranky over the next few months, I am totally blaming the Clomid.
Have you ever taken Clomid before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
I can’t imagine you ever being cranky…Clomid or not.
Continuing to keep you in my thoughts b/c….I love you girl!
Oh my sweet friend…it is so very hard for me to imagine you being a cranky, sweaty mess. But if you are? I will still be here, cheering you on.
I took clomid. Made me very dizzy. But it did result in conception. A friend of mine took it as well, and one of her ovaries ruptured.
Hugs…Clomid made me CRAZY, ok, more like INSANE!
I took it.
The hot flashes were murder.
So were the extra pounds.
But it worked for me, so my complaints? Nothing more than trifling whining. I was very lucky, and am very grateful.
But the hot flashes were still murder.
Although I am well past this stage in my life (my youngest child is 19) I did take clomid once. I already had two children at the time, both were healthy, normal pregnancies and deliveries. Then for no explained reason I had two miscarriages in a row. Then it seemed like my body went into rebellion and I wasn’t getting pregnant even though we wanted one more child. After 3 years (total) of miscarriages and failed attempts using a basal thermometer, with a bunch of tests thrown in for good measure, the doctor prescribed clomid. I had none of the side effects you mentioned and was pregnant on the first cycle with what turned out to be a normal, healthy baby girl. Oh yes, after that it was no problem and child number 4 came along rather unexpectedly 3 years later!
I didn’t have any side effects, and it worked after one month. That’s how we got our first after 2.5 years of trying. All the best to you, Nichole!
Thanks for the info! I never understood how it worked. And totally blame that Clomid on the crankiness!! Can I too?
I conceived on my fourth clomid cycle last year. I had some of the annoying side effects, but they were never terrible.
I found Clomid to be far worse than any other fertility drug. Headaches, mood swings, and night sweats. Honestly hated that drug. I actually preferred the thick needles of progesterone in oil to Clomid. I also didn’t have any luck with it, or I probably would have forgotten the side effects. That said, I know plenty of people who did. I’m hoping you’ll be one of them. Best wishes and hugs.
Oh but the resulting baby is so worth it, isn’t it?
And you, cranky? I think I’d love you even more.
Cranky on Clomid? I have never taken it but I can’t imagine actually having sex with those side effects.
just finish take 4 round clomid no result….i wish i can be luck
I took clomid and I was very moody and had hot flashes that were pretty intense! Saying all that it resulted in us now have 2 beautiful children and I know we are so blessed! Hope u have success!!
My hubby and I have been trying to get pregnant for 5&1/2 years. We’ve had every test under the book but they can’t find anything wrong with us. My doctor said Clomid was my last hoorah before moving on to IVF. I’ve had one round of Clomid so far. I didn’t have any side effects (thank goodness!) but I didn’t get pregnant either.
Because your ovaries are stimulated, you could experience some bloating or discomfort with intercourse.
No wonder i felt so uncomfortable!
Hi,
I took clomid three times, the first I took a couple months then two times consecutively. I know that every woman is different and therefore what I went through may not even happen to another woman. When I took clomid the symptoms got more and varied each time. The first time wasn’t so bad just some mild cramping during ovulatoin. The second month I had some bloating, moodiness, and some changes in my hair. The third month, on top of all the previously listed symptoms I had more severe bloating, ovulation pain, sleep pattern interruption and more mood swings…as well as tender boobs!