Clomid tablets

Clomid is a tablet taken orally to treat infertility in women. Clomid, however, is to be used by women with certain specific reasons for infertility and under the advice and close guidance of a doctor.

Warning: This article provides general information on Clomid and should not be taken as a substitute for expert medical guidance. 

Please consult with your doctor before you consider taking Clomid or to clarify any questions you may have regarding its use. 

What is Clomid used for?

One of the infertility issues which impends couples from getting pregnant is the women not able to ovulate, that is, release an egg from her ovaries. In a normal menstrual cycle, one egg is matured from one of the ovaries and released into the fallopian tube. When a sperm interacts with the egg, conception happens. If there is no sperm to fertilize the egg, the egg will pass down to the uterus to rupture away at the end of the cycle, leading to menstruation. 

For some reasons, however, in some women, ovaries do not release eggs - a condition referred to as anovulation. Eventually, they do not get their period. Unless they undergo treatment to set the ovulation process right, it might be impossible for them to conceive.

Clomifene citrate, under the brand name, Clomid, is a medication that may stimulate ovulation in women. It is to be noted that there could be several reasons for anovulation of which Clomid acts upon the underlying hormonal issues only and not on every possible cause of anovulation. 

How does Clomid work?

Two hormones of the female reproductive system, namely, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. In a woman of normal menstrual cycle, these two hormones act in the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle on the ovaries to release the egg, in a process called ovulation. 

In women with ovulation issues, however, the level of these hormones may be low. Clomid helps in stimulating the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH, which would assist in normal ovulation process. 

What are the side effects of Clomid?

Clomid when taken under proper medical guidance and in the right dosage, in general, does not have side effects. In rare cases, the following conditions are observed:

• Hyperstimulation of ovaries: As Clomid helps in ovulation, sometimes, it may lead to the stimulation of multiple follicles because of which ovaries might get enlarged resulting in abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Multiple Pregnancies: 6-8% of women who conceive after using Clomid may result in conceiving twins than those who conceived through natural menstrual cycles.
• Rare chances of ectopic pregnancies: A small number of cases of ectopic pregnancies, that is, implantation of the embryo to the fallopian tube, instead of a uterine wall have been observed in patients under Clomid treatment.
• Adverse effects: Though less common, around 1% of patients have reported adverse side effects. Blurred vision, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin rashes breast discomfort and vaginal bleeding are some. Patients must report to the doctor immediately if they find any of the symptoms above. 

References 

AIWHC. What is Clomid and how does it work? Associates In Women’s Health Care.

http://www.aiwhc.com/patient-education-what-is-clomid-and-how-does-it-work.html

NPS medicine wise. Clomid Tablets. 2018.

https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/medicine-finder/clomid-tablets

WebMD. Clomid Tablet.

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11204/clomid-oral/details