WHAT IS CLOMID?

Clomid or Clomiphene Citrate is often prescribed to women who are having problems ovulating. It is unusual to be prescribed Clomid for over 6 months, although some women use it for up to 12 months. Some women are prescribed Clomid to help regulate their cycles, even though they may already be ovulating.

It is normally taken between days 2 and 6 of your cycle, although some doctors suggest taking it on slightly different days. The lowest dose is normally 50 mg a day. This can be increased if your body does not respond appropriately.

Clomid stimulates your hormone system into helping an egg grow. It tricks your body into producing more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) because it is an anti-oestrogen. At high doses the anti-oestrogenic effects may affect cervical mucus (making it thicker and stickier) or the endometrium (making it thinner and less receptive).

Some women experience side effects such as breast tenderness, hot flushes, minor abdominal discomfort and moodiness. If you have very bad nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, pain or problems with your sight, you should see your GP. There is a slightly increased risk of multiple pregnancies when on Clomid (10 percent).

You will normally be offered a Cycle Day 21 blood test, to check that ovulation has occurred. Some clinics will offer you an ultrasound scan a few days after you have finished the treatment to see how your follicles are developing. Some studies have suggested that prolonged usage of Clomid may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer later in life, but this may be because women who are anovular and do not conceive are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer anyway.

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