Clomiphene Citrate
Clomiphene Citrate was developed for the purpose of ovarian stimulation with the ability to stimulate gonadotropins. Of course, like many medications, other uses were soon found, and one of the most common areas of use would become the world of performance enhancement. While used by many who supplement with anabolic steroids, Clomiphene Citrate is not an anabolic steroid. Clomiphene Citrate belongs to a class of medications known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s). While it can carry a direct performance enhancing benefit, it’s normally not used for such a purpose. Athletes who use Clomiphene Citrate do so to protect from on cycle side effects, and most commonly as a way to promote Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) recovery. In any case, for our purposes here, we will be focused on performance related.
Clomiphene Citrate On Cycle:
Clomiphene Citrate can be used in conjunction with anabolic steroids in an effort to combat gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a side effect of steroid use that can occur when using steroids that aromatize or carry progestin natures. Aromatizing steroids will carry the greatest risk of gynecomastia. If you’re using an aromatizing steroid, this refers to a testosterone to estrogen conversion, and as estrogen levels increase, if it attaches to the receptors in the chest it will lead to gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). Thankfully, Clomiphene Citrate has the ability to protect from this occurrence by binding the receptors in the place of estrogen. When it binds, the estrogen can’t, and while this won’t lower estrogen levels it will offer protection.
For many men, the use of a SERM is enough to combat gynecomastia caused by aromatizing steroids; however, it’s not always enough. Many men will need something stronger, and if that’s the case you’ll need an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI). Further, while progestin induced gynecomastia is not as common as aromatase based, it can still be a concern, but SERM’s will do very little when progesterone is the culprit making AI’s the way to go.
Clomiphene Citrate PCT:
When we supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids, our natural testosterone production is suppressed. The Level of suppression will be dependent on the steroids we use, and to some degree the total dosing, but suppression will occur nonetheless. For this reason, once the use of anabolic steroids comes to an end, it is often advised that a PCT period begin. A PCT period is not always needed despite what message board myth often states; in-fact, in some cases it can be counterproductive. If a PCT plan is needed, and normally it will be, this is the best time to use this SERM for the performance athlete. By its nature, Clomiphene Citrate will stimulate natural testosterone production by stimulating the pituitary to release more Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). When LH and FSH are released, this signals to the testicles to produce more testosterone, and without LH and FSH with a strong emphasis on LH there is no natural testosterone production. As both LH and FSH are present in abundance due to the presence of Clomiphene Citrate, natural testosterone levels increase and the recovery process begins.
The Side Effects of Clomiphene Citrate:
If we put it in our body, it will carry possible adverse side effects. This principle holds true with all medications including SERM’s, and even holds true with most of the foods we eat. This is brought up so that you understand side effects are not guaranteed, but largely fall into the category of possible. Thankfully, when it comes to the side effects of Clomiphene Citrate the probability of an adverse reaction is rather low. The most common side effect is blurred vision, and no that doesn’t mean a loss of sight but simply blurred vision; hazy if you will. If this occurs, it can be annoying, and if this is the case you may want to find another SERM you’re more comfortable with. It should be noted; if blurred vision occurs, it will fade away once use is discontinued. It must also be noted; abuse of this SERM has been linked to permanent vision problems, and abuse in this case normally revolves around long-term use.
Other side effects of Clomiphene Citrate most commonly include acne. This is normally a side effect that will occur during PCT type use due to the large influx of natural testosterone. In most cases, if it occurs it will do so on the back, shoulders or chest, and will normally clear up once use is discontinued. Some users of Clomiphene Citrate have also reported abdominal discomfort, hot flashes, headaches and nausea or vomiting, but less than 2% will ever experience such effects.
The Benefits of Clomiphene Citrate:
The benefits of Clomiphene Citrate in a performance sense are rather easy to understand, prevent gynecomastia and promote post cycle recovery through natural testosterone stimulation. While these are the primary performance benefits, there is one more that must be mentioned. If you suffer from low testosterone, your overall performance will be lacking, and any increase will be an enhancement. For this reason, some physicians will prescribe SERM’s instead of direct testosterone therapy, and it can work. Such use will increase natural testosterone production; however, it’s not always enough. While it can be a solid option, if the Clomiphene Citrate you’re prescribed for this purpose doesn’t meet your needs you will more than likely need direct testosterone replacement therapy.
