Clomid FAQ: Answers on Dosing, Fertility, Men and Safety

It blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, so the brain reads estrogen as low and releases more FSH and LH. In women this drives follicle growth and ovulation. In men it raises testosterone and supports sperm production. The full mechanism is on our how Clomid works page.

The label gives 50 mg a day for 5 days, starting on or about day 5 of the cycle. If ovulation does not occur, the next course is 100 mg a day for 5 days. Going beyond 100 mg a day for 5 days, or beyond about six cycles, is not recommended.

According to the label, ovulation most often occurs 5 to 10 days after the 5-day course ends. The label recommends timing intercourse to the expected ovulation and using tests such as a basal body temperature chart or ovulation tests to help confirm it.

About half an oral dose is excreted within 5 days, roughly 8% in urine and 42% in feces, according to the label. The zuclomiphene isomer lasts much longer and was detectable for more than a month after a single dose; one study reported its half-life at about 30 days.

The label reports multiple pregnancy in 7.98% of pregnancies, made up of twins 6.9%, triplets 0.5%, quadruplets 0.3% and quintuplets 0.1%. In the PPCOS II trial, twins occurred in 7.4% of clomiphene pregnancies compared with 3.4% of letrozole pregnancies. Most Clomid multiples are twins.

For women with PCOS, trials favor letrozole: 27.5% live births against 19.1% for clomiphene in PPCOS II, and the 2023 PCOS guideline recommends it first. For unexplained infertility, the AMIGOS trial found 23.3% with clomiphene and 18.7% with letrozole, a difference that was not significant.

The label lists pregnancy as a contraindication, and pregnancy should be ruled out before each course. On breastfeeding, the label states it is not known whether clomiphene passes into breast milk and that caution should be exercised. Anyone breastfeeding should discuss this with the prescriber first.

Studies in men used 25 mg daily, raised to 50 mg daily if needed, or 50 mg every other day. In one study of 86 young men, 70% ended treatment on 25 mg daily. The prescribing doctor adjusts the dose based on testosterone, LH and estradiol results.

The evidence is mixed. The HAARLEM study of 100 men and a 2020 study of 72 users found no significant benefit, while a 2023 study of 641 men found faster recovery when PCT started within 3 months of stopping. There are no randomized trials. See our PCT guide for details.

Enclomiphene is the trans-isomer of clomiphene, separated out. It has a half-life of about 10.5 hours, while zuclomiphene, the other isomer in Clomid, lasts about 30 days. In a 2024 study, side effects were reported by 13.8% of men on enclomiphene against 47% on clomiphene. Enclomiphene is not FDA approved.

Stop taking it and have an eye examination. Visual symptoms such as blurring, spots or flashes were reported in 1.5% of women in the label data, and the label warns they may be irreversible, especially at higher doses or with longer treatment. Avoid driving while symptoms last.

The label lists pregnancy, liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction, abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause, ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to PCOS, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disorders, an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor, and known allergy to clomiphene.

On 30 September 2026, GoodRx listed generic clomiphene from $17.31 with a coupon, against an average retail price of $56.67. Brand Clomid was listed at $156.00 at several large pharmacies. Insurance coverage depends on the state and the plan; our Clomid cost guide covers the details.

Yes. Clomifene is listed under anti-estrogenic substances in section S4 of the 2026 WADA Prohibited List and is banned at all times, in and out of competition. USADA states it is prohibited for both men and women. Enclomiphene falls within the same class.