Clomid - most common indications

Clomiphene citrate marketed under the brand name Clomid (manufactured by Aventis Pharma) is a prescription medication used for a wide variety of conditions.

Clomiphene is non-steroidal antiestrogenic remedy. Clomiphene works by stimulating ovulation. Clomiphene citrate works by blocking estrogen receptors in the pituitary gland and ovaries and due to feedback enhances the secretion of gonadotrophic hormones namely leteinizing. This in its turn stimulates maturation and endocrine function of follicle in the ovary, increases blood concentration of estradiol in the blood.

There are several different indications when Clomid is prescribed.

Hormonal Deficiency

Women who don't secrete enough of the hormones LH (lutenizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) won't ovulate. This is one of the reasons ovulation won't occur. This is simply a hormone deficiency. Most of the time when anovulation (the absence of ovulation) is the problem and the woman's ovaries function okay, the egg will not mature and be released without sufficient LH and FSH.

Clomid is basically structured like estrogen, in that it prompts the estrogen receptors of the body to promote the release of the hormones necessary to bring on ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Generally, Clomid will be prescribed if a woman is menstruating (having the bleeding period) but isn't ovulating on her own. Clomid helps the follicles to reach maturity and thus enables ovulation. The occurrence of multiples while taking Clomid is higher than if taking nothing for conception.

Irregular Cycles

If a woman ovulates irregularly, the use of Clomid may help to increase the likelihood of conception by regulating the reproductive cycle. Doctors will prescribe Clomid for women who are either anovulatory or who have irregular cycles, if they have not gotten pregnant by a certain time. Some doctors like to see a couple try to conceive for several months up to a year or longer before trying to diagnose and treat possible infertility.

Luteal Phase Defects

If a woman has a luteal phase (the time from ovulation to menstruation) of ten days or less, Clomid may be prescribed. It is thought to help with the post ovulation cycle, helping to increase the production of progesterone which helps to lengthen and maintain the luteal phase. If the luteal phase is too short, an early miscarriage may result.

Clomid is not without risks. Side-effects sometimes merit not taking the drug. Because Clomid acts to prompt the hormone receptors of the body, side-effects that are experienced are similar to those of other artificial hormones such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Hot-flashes, migraine headaches, bloating, weight gain are a few of the side-effects. Clomid should only be taken as directed by a physician and only for a short period of time.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Clomid is indicated for the treatment of Polycystic ovarian syndrome - polyendocrine syndrome accompanied by ovaries dysfunction (lack and irregular ovulation, increases secretion of androgens and estrogens, pancreas gland (hypersecretion of insulin), adrenal cortex (hypersecretion of adrenal androgens), dysfunction of hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Chiari-Frommel syndrome - galactorrhea and amenorrhea continues for an abnormal length of time (generally longer than 6 months) after giving birth.