Clomid (clomiphene citrate)

Clomid is classified as an oral synthetic estrogen/HPTA stimulator. It is a prescribed drug whose clinical application is to aid in women’s ovulation. It stimulates the release of gonadotropin from the hypophysis (pituitary gland), which causes a domino-effect reaction in the body – stimulating the production of FSH and LH, which in turn sends a message to the Leydig cells in the testes to produce sperm and testosterone.

In bodybuilding, Clomid is rarely opted for by females. Male anabolic users, however, find this drug beneficial in both on-cycle and post-cycle therapies.
During therapy, Clomid is effective in blocking the effects of estrogen. Estrogen belongs to the group of steroid compounds and it functions as the primary female sex hormone. One of estrogen’s important roles is to promote the formation of secondary female characteristics, which includes growth of mammary tissues. Males using anabolic steroids are usually confronted with the problem of gynecomastia, or what is known as growth of breast tissues in males. This results when hormonal imbalance occurs, as might be attributed to steroid use.

During PCT, Clomid is used to restore the body’s natural production of testosterone. It is important to immediately kick start hormonal production since depressed testosterone level could result to catabolism. To understand how this process negatively impacts bodybuilding, it is also necessary to discuss its flip side – anabolism. Below is a brief explanation of these two terms.

The body’s metabolism could be grouped into two broad categories – anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is the building up of complex molecules to facilitate growth, maintenance, and tissue repair. This biochemical process is responsible for the growth of new cellular material. Anabolism is what takes place when an individual uses steroids (particularly anabolic steroids) and experience muscle gains.

Catabolism, in contrast, is the break down of complex molecules into simpler ones mainly for three purposes – energy production, for recycling of their molecular components, or for their excretion. Catabolism is the primary concern for bodybuilders coming off of their steroid cycle.

Once they stop exogenous testosterone intake, the catabolic hormone cortisol starts to work at once. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone, as it is involved in response to stress to restore homeostasis in the body. Cortisol considers low endogenous testosterone level as stress and it responds to this stress by (among others) breaking down proteins. This then results to catabolic metabolism.

This means that the bodybuilder loses everything he has gained (through anabolism) during his steroid cycle. There would be dramatic decrease in size and strength if low testosterone level persists and its side effect (catabolism) continues.

Key points for Clomid Users
• The recommended dosage is to start 50mg twice daily for five consecutive days, then to decrease to 50mg once a day for another five to 10 days.
• It is usually used partnered with Nolvadex and HCG.
• Clomid is generally considered to be inferior when compared with Nolvadex. This requires a deeper comparative study, however, since both of these drugs exhibit similarly desirable actions in the body.
• To jumpstart testosterone production in the body, many opt to use Clomid with HCG as a post-cycle regimen. The typical practice is to administer this PCT after the first or second week of steroid use.
• Clomid is considered to be a safe buy since there are no reported counterfeit versions of this drug.
• Clomid is contraindicated in individuals who have hypersensitivity or allergy to clomiphene citrate or to any of its ingredients, and those who have liver disease or have a history of liver dysfunction. It is also not advised to be used by pregnant women since it might cause fetal harm. Side effects of this drug include visual symptoms (blurring, spots, and flashes) and OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) during or shortly after therapy. Therefore, Clomid users should take caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous activities.