Steroid Information

Clomid

(Clomiphene Citrate)

Developed for the purpose of ovarian stimulation Clomiphene Citrate actively stimulates the gonadotropins by increasing production; protein based hormones essential to a well-functioning endocrine system. However, while ovarian stimulation was its primary design, by its very nature it stimulates all gonadotropins within the body and several other uses have been found for this non-steroidal medication, particularly in the world of performance enhancement. That is correct, Clomid as it is most commonly known is not a steroid, as it belongs to a class known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and like most all SERMs serves a vital purpose in hormonal production. As we will see, while ovarian stimulation and performance enhancement are perhaps its most common reason for use many men supplement with Clomid for the purpose of treating low testosterone, similar to the supplementation of aromatase inhibitors to meet this end.

Clomid 101:

A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Clomid by design binds to the receptors thereby preventing estrogen from binding; in simplistic terms it takes estrogens place at this binding point and this can serve and bring about several benefits to the intended individual. While binding to the receptors Clomid also simultaneously increases the release of both Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormones (LH & FSH) by way of stimulation; as both LH and FSH are imperative to testosterone production, without testosterone declines, through this direct stimulation natural testosterone production is increased. For the performance enhancer this presents two distinct benefits, one for On-Cycle protection by the receptor binding and one for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) in-terms of re-stimulating proper natural hormonal production. For the treatment of low testosterone we can also easily begin to see the purpose, as increased LH and FSH lend to the desired end.

We must here give distinction to clear up common confusion. It is often believed by many that Clomid actively reduces the amount of estrogen within the body or that it actively blocks it from existing in the first place; for this reason many refer to it as an anti-estrogen but this is somewhat inappropriate. Clomid does not inhibit estrogen production nor does it reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. Yes, there are medications that have this affect, most notably aromatase inhibitors, the most common being Arimidex and Letrozole. However, while Clomid does carry with it some similarities, especially revolving around HPTA its direct nature is unique in comparison to aromatase inhibitors.

The Benefits of Clomid:

For the anabolic androgenic steroid user there are three distinct benefits separated into two distinct categories; therapeutic testosterone replacement and performance enhancement. As we are aware many anabolic steroids convert into estrogen once present in the human body and never is this truer than with the advent and presence of exogenous testosterone. The cause of this estrogen conversion is largely brought on by what is commonly referred to as the aromatase process and it is this process that can lead to many of the most commonly known steroidal side-effects. Estrogen buildup is largely responsible for the brunt of anabolic steroid related side-effects and perhaps the most threatening for many is Gynecomastia or what is commonly known as Gyno or male breast enlargement. It is true, Clomid will do very little to reduce the total amount of estrogen in the body, in-fact it really wont do anything at all but it can prevent the existing estrogen from binding to the receptors of the pectoral region thereby preventing the onset of Gynecomastia. It is important to note, while this binding at the receptors can be very efficient it is limited in action; those who are extremely sensitive or who have a greater buildup of estrogen than Clomid can bind will find this SERM to be useless in-terms of side-effect prevention. For this individual only an active aromatase inhibitor will do; in the case of this individual we need a medication that not only inhibits estrogen from existing by conversion but one that actively reduces the total amount as well; this is where Arimidex and Letrozole really become invaluable.

While Clomid has a use for On-Cycle steroid use it is perhaps during PCT that it really shines through and it is here most in the performance enhancing world will find it most beneficial and understanding this is relatively simple. When we supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids our natural testosterone production is suppressed; the degree varies depending on the steroids used and dosing and duration can also have an effect but regardless suppression will exist. Because natural testosterone suppression exists most will supplement with the testosterone steroid while on cycle; it is important to note, even the testosterone steroid actively suppresses natural testosterone production. As natural production is suppressed, while on cycle if exogenous testosterone is being used this is of very little concern; after all, with exogenous testosterone use we ensure we have the testosterone we need in our body and yes, you need testosterone as it is a hormone of absolute vital importance. Once the cycle is complete this is where some find they run into trouble; it is very common for gains from a cycle to be lost to the wind and for an individual to put on a little fat and just feel like a pile of garbage. Why does this happen, its simple, theyre not producing any or enough testosterone and no longer have any exogenous testosterone to meet this end. Through the use of Clomid, recall, it actively stimulates the release of natural testosterone we can see this problem remedied as it becomes a concern of distant memory past.

It is commonly understood, testosterone is produced in the testicles of men but many fail to understand this is not where production begins; yes, you need well-functioning testicles but in many ways this is the end of the testosterone assembly line. To produce testosterone in adequate amounts we may aptly say production begins at the pituitary; the pituitary must release LH and it must release an adequate amount; the amount of LH released greatly determines the amount of testosterone produced. Again, recall from above, Clomid greatly stimulates LH release, thereby stimulating total testosterone production and aiding in ensuring enough testosterone is in the body. For years, in-fact decades performance enhancers have supplemented with Clomid for PCT purposes in order to preserve gains made but while this is important it proves to be even more important in-terms of preserving overall health; remember, testosterone is essential, so essential we can aptly label it one of the most important hormones the human body will ever produce.

As Clomid so greatly stimulates natural testosterone production the benefit for the low testosterone patient is very easy to see; if you suffer from low testosterone you simply need to produce more and Clomid can provide a means by which your naturally produced levels can increase. For many men this is a welcomed medication to fill this role; simply take a pill once or twice a day and be done with it, problem solved but more times than not its simply not that simple. While Clomid can be beneficial and effective in low testosterone treatment more times than not it is not strong enough and direct testosterone therapy is needed; meaning, some sort of exogenous testosterone must be applied.

The Side-Effects of Clomid:

Anabolic steroids, SERMs, NSAID painkillers such as Aspirin, they all carry with them possible side-effects, some more so than others and individual sensitivity always plays a large, very large role; while simplistic it is no different than how some are lactose intolerant while others are not. Remember, possible side-effects simply mean maybe it can happen and in no way means it will. As it pertains to Clomid we have a relatively side-effect friendly medication in-fact most will experience no side-effects at all but of those that do the most common is blurred vision. No, blurred vision does not mean blind, it simply means blurred and it will return to normal once use is discontinued. Some individuals have also reported abdominal discomfort and even hot flashes but both are extremely rare, so rare less than 1% of all Clomid users will ever experience them to any degree. Some Clomid users have also reported acne, especially on their back or shoulders but this is largely due to the increase of the now higher natural testosterone production and generally clears very fast as the body adapts and becomes accustomed.

Clomid and Nolvadex:

It is very common for both Clomid and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) to be interchanged in conversation and this is not the worst comparison ever made as they are both very similar to one another in action as it pertains to those who supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids for any reason. However, while very similar in nature we cannot and should not interchange them identically as there are differences, most notably in-terms of potency. Both Clomid and Nolvadex belong to the SERM classification and both SERMs actively protect against estrogenic related side-effects and carry with them the ability to stimulate natural testosterone production. While the mode of action is very similar we find that on a milligram for milligram basis Nolvadex is much stronger than Clomid; for example to equal the power of 40mg of Nolvadex the individual would need close to 200mg of Clomid. In the end the individual will simply choose the one that works best for them but you need to be aware of the potency differences if you are to make the best use of either item. Many individuals fail to benefit from Clomid simply because they dont use enough, they often supplement with Clomid identically to the way they would Nolvadex and this is as you can see a mistake.

Clomid Cycles and Doses:

As Clomid side-effects are very rare and extremely mild if they occur at all, Clomid can be used for far extended periods of time if necessary; one could safely and effectively supplement with Clomid the entire duration of a cycle to prevent Gynecomastia if proven necessary. While Nolvadex is far more common to meet this end a simply dosing of 25mg of Clomid every day can in many cases be sufficient to prevent certain aromatase related side-effects while on cycle. However, many in the performance enhancing world will find this to be lacking as their doses of anabolic steroids will necessarily be high and stronger aromatase inhibitors will be needed.

Without question it is during the PCT period most will find Clomid to be the most beneficial and without question the most common time period in-which this SERM will be used. The majority of performance enhancers will find a 4 week total PCT period to be very efficient with 3 weeks of the total period consisting of Clomid. For example, a solid PCT schedule might include a 10-12 day period of hCG use followed by 3 weeks of Clomid therapy. Generally, a dosing of 150mg every day for one week followed by 2 weeks at 100mg can be very effective but depending on the individual some will need more time and another week or two at 50-100mg per day should suffice in this instance.