Clomiphene Citrate commonly called just Clomid is used by athletes on anabolic steroids to eliminate the side effects of estrogen conversion and to boost or stimulate testosterone production after a steroid cycle in what is called the Post Cycle therapy stage (PCT). Clomid started to be used as a fertility drug for women and it is still used today in womens infertility. It is probably one of the first mainstream Post Cycle Therapy testosterone recovery drug used by bodybuilders. During a steroid cycle, the pituitary gland stops telling your body to prodce Luteinizing hormone (LH) which is what tells your body to produce testosterone.

Clomid Infertility

While taking Clomiphene citrate the levels of gonadotropin homrones increase in the blood. Gonadotropins are various hormones such as follicle stimulating, luteinizing, which regulate the function of sexual glands in the body. It is these hormones that regulate the levels of testosterone and estrogen in the blood and develop male and female genital organs. One of the reason steroid users suffer from gynocamastia is due to the fact of incrase estrogen and the creation of breasts. It is also a reason that in females during ovulation the reproductive egg is released and the female has a chance to become pregnant. For more information on Clomid for infertility and twins please see our article here.

Clomid for Bodybuilding

Since Clomiphene Citrate or clomid has anti-estrogenic properities it is used by bodybuilders. During a steroid cycle the user injects anabolic steroids into their system which increases the level of testosterone in their bodys and excess testosterone converts to estrogen which can lead to fluid retention and gynecomasita (growth of female breasts). While fluid retention might not seem that bad of an issue, excessive fluid increases blood pressure and makes you look puffy so it hides your newly created muslces by taking steroids. Clomid blocks the receptors of estrogen in the body, which prevents estrogen actions basically nullifying the excess estrogen in the body.

Clomid for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

After a steroid cycle it is necessary to help the natural production of testosterone recover as it is surppressed during a steroid cycle. It is this phase to help the body recover that is termed Post Cycle Therapy (PCT). PCT is designed specifically to help with the pharmacology process to restore the natural production of testosterone. The most popular courses of PCt include clmoid and tamoxifen as well as Chorionic Gonadotropin. PCT is recommended for people coming off steroids and will stay off for atleast 8 weeks.

Side Effects of Clomiphene citrate or Clomid

Side effects for women who take Clomid for fertility are:

1. Mood Swings
2. Depression
3. Water Retenion
4. Irritability
5. Headache
6. Acne

However Clomid for men is considered one fo the most well tolerated anti estrogen in but the same side effects for women can affect men.