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Clomid, or clomiphene citrate, is an FDA approved medication that is commonly used to improve fertility in women. It can stimulate ovulation, and is often used in conjunction with other fertility treatments. However, clomid is also used off-label as a low testosterone treatment in men.
As men grow older, their testosterone levels naturally decline.
This is normal.
By the time a man is age 40, his testosterone levels may only be half of what they were when he was in his 20s. This gradual decline in testosterone levels can cause a number of symptoms, and if left untreated can lead to more serious health problems like decreased cognitive function and weakened bones. [1]
In other words, low testosterone is not just about having difficulty in the bedroom or feeling sad. It’s a real medical condition.
Traditionally, men with low testosterone are placed on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which comes in various forms including gels, injections, and pellets. However, TRT is not without its risks. This is where Clomid comes in.
Here we will review what Clomid is and how it is used as a form of testosterone replacement therapy.
Key Takeaways
Clomid has been around for quite some time. It was originally developed as a fertility treatment for women and is still most commonly used for this purpose.
But, unlike traditional treatment for low testosterone, it does not halt natural testosterone production in the body. Clomid actually works by assisting the body by naturally increasing testosterone.
How Clomid Works
Clomid is a non-steroid fertility medication. It is called a selective estrogen receptor modulator because it works by binding to estrogen receptors in the brain, preventing estrogen from binding.
Decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers a drop in testosterone production when estrogen binds to its receptors in the brain. And, both LH and FSH are essential for stimulating testosterone and sperm production.
Clomid is unlike TRT because it doesn’t introduce artificial testosterone. Instead, Clomid helps your body by allowing it to produce testosterone naturally. Your body is tricked into thinking there is less estrogen, leading to an increase in LH and FSH, and ultimately boosting natural testosterone production.
Because of this, some people choose it over testosterone replacement therapy since it naturally raises testosterone levels. This is especially true for individuals undergoing IVF treatment who want to keep sperm parameters stable and cannot afford to have a drop in sperm parameters.
Additionally, Clomid is a safer option than traditional testosterone injections because it only requires taking a pill.
How Clomid Used as a form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
The dosage of Clomid for men is yet to be solidified. Recommended doses can range anywhere from 12.5 to 400 miligrams (mg) and are dependent on a case-by-case basis. [2]
A common starting dose is 25 mg per day, taken in pill form for five days. After that, the dose may be increased in increments of 25 mg every two to four weeks until max dosage is reached.
It’s important to note that Clomid must be taken at the same time every day for it to work properly.
The National Institutes of Health, a highly reputable clinical research center in the United States, is currently running a clinical trial where it has been recommended that men specifically with low testosterone (hypogonadism) start with a dose of 25 mg and increased after 3 weeks if men do not hit the target testosterone level of at least 450 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
What if my Testosterone Level Does not Rise?
Clomid is not a fast-acting medication and typically takes some time to see improvement in testosterone levels. One study showed was that after 3 months on Clomid, testosterone levels increased for nearly half of the men in their study. [3]
Figure 1: Most men do react to Clomid administration, but there are other treatments available
However, not everyone reacts to Clomid in the same way. Some men may need higher doses in order to see any results. Men that do not see testosterone levels rise are generally advised by doctors to increase to 3, 100mg pills per week. These subjects were studied for up 15 months and few showed negative side effects.
Is there Risk Involved with Clomid?
While Clomid does does have some very promising effects, it may not be suitable for men with medical conditions such as liver disease, heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those with pituitary gland problems.
It is also not recommended for men over the age of 60 and studies have been inconsistent in showing that it helps improve libido and erectile dysfunction.
Figure 2: Clomid seems to be more effective in younger men, and more studies are needed for older men for a verdict to be drawn
Side effects of Clomid are temporary and are reversible. Below are some of the most commonly reported side effects by men on Clomid.
Commonly Reported Side Effects:
Clomid is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. The best place to get it is through a TRT clinic.
While Clomid can be great alternative to testosterone replacement therapy, it is not for everyone. A reputable TRT clinic will not only make sure you are a good candidate for Clomid but also help monitor your progress and testosterone levels. They will also be able to adjust your dosage as needed and answer any questions you may have before or during treatment.
If you are struggling with low testosterone, read up on TRT clinics such as Evolve Telemed and see if there is an option available for you.
How long to take Clomid for Low Testosterone?
According to one study, Clomid can be taken for a duration of 3 years with most patients seeing improvements throughout that period.
Are there any current clinical trials with men on Clomid?
Yes. Most up to date clinical trial investigating dosage and effects can be found on the US clinical trials website right here
Click here to view the article.
As men grow older, their testosterone levels naturally decline.
This is normal.
By the time a man is age 40, his testosterone levels may only be half of what they were when he was in his 20s. This gradual decline in testosterone levels can cause a number of symptoms, and if left untreated can lead to more serious health problems like decreased cognitive function and weakened bones. [1]
In other words, low testosterone is not just about having difficulty in the bedroom or feeling sad. It’s a real medical condition.
Traditionally, men with low testosterone are placed on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which comes in various forms including gels, injections, and pellets. However, TRT is not without its risks. This is where Clomid comes in.
Here we will review what Clomid is and how it is used as a form of testosterone replacement therapy.
Key Takeaways
- Clomid is not just a medication to help increase ovulation, but also helps increase testosterone naturally and does not impact fertility.
- Clomid vs. TRT: both raise the levels of testosterone in the body; however, clomid does so by boosting natural production as opposed to TRT’s method of artificial introduction (typically injections).
- Functions as a selective estrogen receptor modulator in men.
- Side effects are short and reversible
Clomid has been around for quite some time. It was originally developed as a fertility treatment for women and is still most commonly used for this purpose.
But, unlike traditional treatment for low testosterone, it does not halt natural testosterone production in the body. Clomid actually works by assisting the body by naturally increasing testosterone.
How Clomid Works
Clomid is a non-steroid fertility medication. It is called a selective estrogen receptor modulator because it works by binding to estrogen receptors in the brain, preventing estrogen from binding.
Decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers a drop in testosterone production when estrogen binds to its receptors in the brain. And, both LH and FSH are essential for stimulating testosterone and sperm production.
Clomid is unlike TRT because it doesn’t introduce artificial testosterone. Instead, Clomid helps your body by allowing it to produce testosterone naturally. Your body is tricked into thinking there is less estrogen, leading to an increase in LH and FSH, and ultimately boosting natural testosterone production.
Because of this, some people choose it over testosterone replacement therapy since it naturally raises testosterone levels. This is especially true for individuals undergoing IVF treatment who want to keep sperm parameters stable and cannot afford to have a drop in sperm parameters.
Additionally, Clomid is a safer option than traditional testosterone injections because it only requires taking a pill.
How Clomid Used as a form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
The dosage of Clomid for men is yet to be solidified. Recommended doses can range anywhere from 12.5 to 400 miligrams (mg) and are dependent on a case-by-case basis. [2]
A common starting dose is 25 mg per day, taken in pill form for five days. After that, the dose may be increased in increments of 25 mg every two to four weeks until max dosage is reached.
It’s important to note that Clomid must be taken at the same time every day for it to work properly.
The National Institutes of Health, a highly reputable clinical research center in the United States, is currently running a clinical trial where it has been recommended that men specifically with low testosterone (hypogonadism) start with a dose of 25 mg and increased after 3 weeks if men do not hit the target testosterone level of at least 450 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
What if my Testosterone Level Does not Rise?
Clomid is not a fast-acting medication and typically takes some time to see improvement in testosterone levels. One study showed was that after 3 months on Clomid, testosterone levels increased for nearly half of the men in their study. [3]
Figure 1: Most men do react to Clomid administration, but there are other treatments available
However, not everyone reacts to Clomid in the same way. Some men may need higher doses in order to see any results. Men that do not see testosterone levels rise are generally advised by doctors to increase to 3, 100mg pills per week. These subjects were studied for up 15 months and few showed negative side effects.
Is there Risk Involved with Clomid?
While Clomid does does have some very promising effects, it may not be suitable for men with medical conditions such as liver disease, heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those with pituitary gland problems.
It is also not recommended for men over the age of 60 and studies have been inconsistent in showing that it helps improve libido and erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of Clomid are temporary and are reversible. Below are some of the most commonly reported side effects by men on Clomid.
Commonly Reported Side Effects:
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Joint aches
Clomid is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. The best place to get it is through a TRT clinic.
While Clomid can be great alternative to testosterone replacement therapy, it is not for everyone. A reputable TRT clinic will not only make sure you are a good candidate for Clomid but also help monitor your progress and testosterone levels. They will also be able to adjust your dosage as needed and answer any questions you may have before or during treatment.
If you are struggling with low testosterone, read up on TRT clinics such as Evolve Telemed and see if there is an option available for you.
How long to take Clomid for Low Testosterone?
According to one study, Clomid can be taken for a duration of 3 years with most patients seeing improvements throughout that period.
Are there any current clinical trials with men on Clomid?
Yes. Most up to date clinical trial investigating dosage and effects can be found on the US clinical trials website right here
Click here to view the article.
