Clomid is often a first line treatment for infertility. The goal of Clomid therapy in treating infertility is to induce ovulation. Once ovulation begins, there is no benefit to further increasing the dosage. Numerous studies show that pregnancy usually occurs during the first three months of infertility therapy with Clomid and treatment beyond six months is not recommended.

Clomiphene is marketed in the United States by Aventis Laboratories as Clomid and by Serono Laboratories as Serophene.

How Clomid works

Clomid works at the level of the hypothalamus where it competes for estrogen binding sites. When these "sites are occupied" by Clomid, the hypothalamus responds by producing more gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which then stimulates the pituitary to produce FSH. Remember, in a normal cycle healthy follicles produce estrogen, which signals the hypothalamus to reduce production of FSH. Patients must come to our clinic for periodic monitoring of their follicular development via ultrasound and blood tests to measure estradiol.

Possible Clomid Side Effects

Clomid can cause side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation (rare), visual disturbances, nausea, diminished "quality" of the cervical mucus, multiple births, and others.