Clomiphene (known as Clomid) is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a synthetic estrogen / **Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)**. In medicine, it is prescribed to women seeking to conceive as it aids in inducing ovulation due to its blocking effect.

Mechanism of Action:

• Estrogen Receptor Blockade: Clomiphene can block the connection between the receptor and estrogen in certain tissues, thereby preventing the activation of the estrogen molecule (acting as an estrogen receptor blocker).
• HPTA Stimulation: Through this mechanism, it increases the release of **LH** (Luteinizing Hormone) and **FSH** (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), which results in an **increase in natural Testosterone production** in the testes.

The main use of Clomiphene for athletes is in **Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)**. It is utilized to quickly raise the body's reduced (or, in extreme cases, completely suppressed) natural hormone production back to baseline levels following an exogenous hormone cycle.

When to Start Clomiphene?

The start of Clomiphene intake must be tailored to the half-life of the previously used compounds to maximize effectiveness:

• Short Esters (e.g., Methandienone "Dianabol"): Intake should commence directly the day after the last dose, as Methandienone's active substance has a half-life of only 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
• Long Esters (e.g., Nandrolone Decanoate, Testosterone Enanthate, Cypionate): Due to the long-acting nature of the ester, it is sufficient to start Clomiphene intake approximately **ten to twelve days** after the last injection.

⚠️ **Mandatory Use:** While Clomiphene use may not be strictly necessary with mild steroids (e.g., Primobolan, Winstrol), its intake is considered **mandatory** when using steroids that intensely impact the body's own hormone production (Testosterone, Nandrolone).

Newer dosing schedules account for Clomiphene's half-life of approx. 5 days by using a "Frontload" dose to quickly achieve a therapeutic level of action.

Recommended Dosing Schedule:

1. **Day 1 (Frontload):** A larger dose of **200–300 mg** is taken, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses.
2. **Day 2 – End of PCT (4–6 weeks):** Dosing continues with a daily dose of **50 mg**.

By administering an increased initial dose (Frontload), a therapeutically effective level of the active substance is rapidly achieved, which can then be sufficiently maintained by subsequent doses of only 50 mg.

Clomiphene is also sometimes used as an estrogen receptor blocker, but its effect in this regard is **overestimated** and does not match the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

Among **"natural athletes,"** Clomiphene is used to increase Testosterone release at doses of 50–100 mg daily. However, this Testosterone-boosting effect is limited to the upper physiological limit, so significant muscle gain should not be expected.

Potential Side Effects:

Although the symptoms listed below are reversible and subside after discontinuation, the following may occur:

• **Psychological Issues:** Depression, nervousness, insomnia.
• **Vision Disturbances:** Flashing (especially with closed eyes), dizziness, intoxication.
• **Other:** Nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, allergic skin reactions, fatigue.