It is almost guaranteed that after trying to conceive for a while and upon your first visit with a fertility specialist you would get your first script for Clomid or Femera should your reason for not conceiving be not ovulating, PCOS or even unknown.
How is clomid taken?
Clomid is taken orally, in most cases your doctor would recommend you take Clomid 50 mg for 5 days from day 3 to day 7 of your cycle and go for a scan on day 11. Ovulation usually occurs day 14 to day 19 of your cycle but does differ in many women.
How does Clomid cause ovulation?
Clomid, which contains the active ingredient clomiphene citrate, is a medication commonly used to induce ovulation in women who have difficulty conceiving due to certain fertility issues. The mechanism of action of Clomid involves interfering with the normal feedback loop between the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which regulate the production of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.
Typically, during the early phase of the menstrual cycle, the brain releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles. These follicles contain eggs and produce estrogen as they mature. The increasing levels of estrogen in the bloodstream send a feedback signal to the brain, inhibiting the release of FSH and preventing further follicle development.
When a woman takes Clomid, it acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It binds to estrogen receptors in the brain, blocking the feedback signal and tricking the brain into believing that estrogen levels are lower than they actually are. As a result, the brain increases the production of FSH to stimulate further follicle growth and development.
The ovarian follicles continue to grow and produce more estrogen, but the feedback inhibition on the brain is still present due to Clomid’s effects. As a result, the brain continues to release higher levels of FSH, providing more stimulation to the ovaries.
After completing a course of Clomid, typically taken for 5 days, the medication is cleared from the body, and the decrease in its effect on the estrogen receptors in the brain allows the feedback loop to function normally again. The higher levels of FSH eventually trigger the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), leading to ovulation and the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle.
What are the side effects of Clomid?
While it can be effective in stimulating ovulation, it can also have certain side effects. Here are a list of the most common side effects.
- Upset Stomach
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Breast Tenderness
- Abdominal / Pelvic fullness
- Hot Flashes
- Headache
It’s important to note that while Clomid can help induce ovulation in many women, it may not be effective for everyone, and individual responses to the medication can vary. Additionally, the use of Clomid should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can monitor its effects and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment.
