Introduction
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) functions as a potent anti-estrogen, falling under the category of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It closely resembles another popular SERM, Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate). Initially spotlighted in the early 1970s for its fertility-enhancing properties, Clomid remains a key player in fertility treatments today.
It’s also widely favored among anabolic steroid users to counteract estrogenic side effects linked with such substances. Though not an anabolic steroid itself, Clomid aids in restoring suppressed testosterone levels resulting from anabolic steroid use, particularly during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT). PCT utilization of Clomid represents the primary and most beneficial application for anabolic steroid users.
Actions of Clomid
Clomiphene Citrate, a SERM, boosts fertility by enhancing gonadotropin release. It blocks estrogen’s negative feedback on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian-Axis, significantly increasing LH and FSH release, leading to egg release and higher conception chances.
Moreover, Clomid’s potent anti-estrogen properties find primary use in countering estrogen-related issues during anabolic steroid use. Anabolic steroids can convert to estrogen, causing gynecomastia and water retention. Clomid binds to estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen from stimulating mammary tissue and mitigating water retention. However, it may not sufficiently reduce serum estrogen levels.
Furthermore, Clomid aids post-cycle recovery by stimulating the pituitary to release more LH and FSH, boosting natural testosterone production. This is crucial for anabolic steroid users to restore suppressed testosterone levels post-cycle.
Effects of Clomid
In therapeutic use for fertility, Clomid simplifies the process: a woman facing conception difficulties has an increased chance of pregnancy with its help. Although not guaranteed, it significantly boosts conception odds, proving fairly successful.
It prevents gyno in men
As an anti-estrogen during steroid cycles, Clomid effectively prevents gynecomastia by binding to receptors. While it doesn’t lower estrogen levels or halt aromatization, it provides ample protection for many. Additionally, it positively affects cholesterol levels by acting as estrogen in the liver, beneficial for those facing steroid-induced cholesterol issues.
Steroid bloating
However, for rigorous steroid users, Clomid alone might not suffice against estrogen-related concerns. In such cases, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) like Arimidex or Femara are necessary to reduce estrogen levels. AIs are more effective against gynecomastia and water retention, while Clomid’s impact on water retention is minimal. Nevertheless, proper diet control can significantly aid in water retention management, especially during bulking phases.
Its great for PCT and cheap
Regarding post-cycle therapy (PCT), after steroid use suppresses natural testosterone production, Clomid plays a crucial role in stimulating its recovery. PCT programs, including Clomid alongside Nolvadex and HCG, are highly successful in expediting natural testosterone restoration. Neglecting PCT post-cycle can lead to prolonged low testosterone levels, triggering various adverse symptoms like increased cortisol levels, elevated body fat, and decreased muscle mass. Therefore, it’s imperative to adhere to a PCT regimen, unless bridging with low-dose exogenous testosterone or facing a short off-cycle period of less than 8 weeks.
Effects of Clomid on Testosterone
Most people recognize Clomid’s primary effect as stimulating natural testosterone production. Clomiphene Citrate directly stimulates gonadotropins, releasing LH and FSH. Both hormones are essential for testosterone production, with LH being crucial. Clomid’s stimulation of LH and FSH offers two key advantages related to testosterone. For athletes finishing a cycle, it accelerates natural testosterone recovery, preserving gains and overall health. Additionally, individuals with naturally low testosterone levels may benefit from Clomid supplementation to boost testosterone production. However, for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patients, Clomid may not suffice, and direct testosterone therapy is often necessary.
Clomid Side Effects
Whenever you ingest something, there’s a chance of a bad reaction – whether it’s medicine, hormones, vitamins, or food. It’s crucial to understand the likelihood and potential negative reactions, including when it comes to Clomid. Let’s delve into its side effects.
Common Side Effects
Clomid side effects are generally mild. In fact, most people won’t notice them, if they occur at all. The most common side effect is blurred vision. But don’t worry, it’s temporary and won’t cause blindness. Blurred vision clears up once you stop using Clomid. Some users also experience acne breakouts, especially on the back and shoulders during PCT. This happens because of the increased natural testosterone levels. Once your body adjusts, which happens quickly, the acne disappears.
Rare Side Effects
Two possible Clomid side effects include abdominal cramping or discomfort and hot flashes. However, the likelihood of experiencing these side effects is extremely low. Less than 1% of Clomiphene Citrate users will encounter them. Despite their rarity, it’s important to be aware of these possibilities, just in case you happen to be among the unlucky few.
Just plain wrong side Effects
In the world of performance enhancement, anabolic androgenic steroids often receive negative attention, which is unfortunate. While it’s true that these steroids are potent hormones with potential for harsh side effects, responsible use can often prevent or control these effects. Why is this relevant here? Clomid isn’t an anabolic androgenic steroid; it’s a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), completely different from steroids. However, many steroid users also use Clomid. As a result, Clomid side effects are sometimes wrongly associated with steroid side effects, which is irresponsible and driven by emotion. It’s important to recognize such misinformation, especially regarding hormonal compounds like Clomid.
Clomid Versus Nolvadex
Nolvadex, another popular SERM, shares almost identical effects with Clomid. Both SERMs bind to receptors, blocking estrogen, and stimulate LH and FSH release, promoting natural testosterone production. They can both prevent gynecomastia during a cycle and are effective for PCT and testosterone replacement therapy. You might have heard that Nolvadex is stronger than Clomid, and it’s true on a milligram-for-milligram basis. However, when doses are adjusted for potency, the difference is minimal. In fact, the effects of Clomid vs. Nolvadex would be indistinguishable for most users.
Clomid Dosing
When taking something—be it medicine, hormones, or a SERM like Clomid—it’s crucial to know the right dosage. Without this information, correct usage becomes unlikely. Clomid dosages can vary significantly, but it’s clear that the average dosage used by many performance enhancers is often too low. A common dosage for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is 50mg per day. However, it’s important to note that this dose, while suitable for PCT, is equivalent to only about 10mg of
How to use Clomid for PCT
For most users, starting with a daily dose of 150mg of this SERM is optimal. It’s recommended to maintain this dose for a few weeks before gradually reducing it. While 150mg per day can be effective, some individuals may require a higher dosage. However, it’s safe to say that starting with a lower dose after a significant anabolic steroid cycle won’t yield significant results.
Clomid dosages for PCT
For a typical PCT with Clomiphene Citrate, 4-5 weeks usually suffice. It’s often beneficial to start and finish a course of hCG before beginning Clomiphene therapy, although it’s not always necessary. Typically, a Clomid dosage starts at 150mg per day, although some may require more. However, this varies among individuals. For most, this dosage remains constant before gradually tapering off until discontinuation. After PCT, natural testosterone production begins to recover, albeit not fully. Following a standard plan can help determine the appropriate daily Clomid dosage for each week of use.
- Week 1: Clomid 150mg per day
- Week 2: Clomid 150mg per day
- Week 3: Clomid 100mg per day
- Week 4: Clomid 100mg per day
- Week 5: Clomid 50mg per day
(add an extra week at 50mg per day if needed)
Using Clomid whilst taking steroids
Some performance-enhancing athletes use Clomid during their anabolic steroid cycle to prevent Gynecomastia. Gynecomastia results from estrogen binding to receptors in the chest, causing male breast enlargement. While Clomid can be effective, many opt for Nolvadex instead. However, neither SERM guarantees complete satisfaction in preventing Gynecomastia. In some cases, only aromatase inhibitors will suffice, but SERMs can still be useful for some individuals. A Clomid dosage of around 50mg per day is typically sufficient for this purpose. Nevertheless, Nolvadex has been shown to be slightly more effective, and aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex and Letrozole are even more potent.
Availability of Clomid
Clomid is widely available worldwide, both in pharmaceutical and black markets. It’s easily purchasable, affordable, and shouldn’t be hard to find. In the U.S., it’s not a controlled substance, but you’ll need a prescription to buy it legally, except through a research chemical lab (RCL). These labs offer SERMs, AI’s, peptides, and other items in liquid form for research purposes, allowing individuals to legally purchase them without a prescription.
However, it’s crucial to understand that purchases must be for research only. While this loophole exists in the law for now, law enforcement could make an issue of it if they find evidence that the purchase wasn’t for research purposes. Apart from RCLs, obtaining prescription Clomid isn’t too difficult, and most black market steroid suppliers carry the SERM. However, purchasing from a steroid supplier, even if not buying steroids, would still be breaking the law.
Things to be aware of
You can easily purchase Clomid online from steroid suppliers and RCLs, and it’s usually inexpensive. Counterfeit Clomid tablets are rare, but legal issues surround online purchases. When buying from an RCL online, you can find high-quality products, though there are more low-quality RCLs than reputable ones. Under-dosing and product instability are common concerns, along with difficulty in dosing due to high concentration.
Conclusion
An ongoing debate among anabolic steroid users centers on whether Clomid or Nolvadex is superior. Both can protect against on-cycle gynecomastia, although some prefer Nolvadex. It may require trying both to determine which works best for you. For PCT, both Clomid and Nolvadex are equally effective and important. Despite claims that Nolvadex is superior for PCT, the issue often lies in insufficient Clomid dosage. Nolvadex is stronger on a milligram-for-milligram basis, so matching Clomid dosage to Nolvadex is crucial. Before using any SERM, educate yourself on proper dosing protocols to maximize benefits.