Clomiphene citrate

Clomiphene citrate is an infertility medication that is the simplest and most common starting point for treating women who do not ovulate (anovulation) or who ovulate infrequently (oligoovulation).

This medication blocks the effects of estrogen throughout the body. This blockage means that the pituitary gland perceives that only low levels of estrogen are present. The pituitary's response to low estrogen levels is to secrete more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in an effort to provide more stimulation to the follicles and therefore produce more estrogen. The rise in FSH is very important, since these women often have a relative lack of FSH stimulation. In most cases, the rise in FSH is sufficient to stimulate the follicles to develop, complete maturation and eventually ovulate.

This section describes clomiphene citrate therapy in detail including how it is administered and monitored. As well, the information here outlines this medication’s success rates, risks and side effects.

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Administration

Monitoring

Success rates

Safety information