Clomiphene (Clomid)

Used for

• Ovulation induction in women (its approved use)
• Low testosterone with working testes, especially to keep fertility (off-label in men)
• Coming off TRT

How it works

Blocks estrogen feedback in the brain, so the pituitary sends out more LH and FSH. In men the testes then make more testosterone and sperm. The label gives 30–50% of the mix as zuclomiphene, the form that lingers longest and has more estrogen-like action; enclomiphene is the form sold alone (see that entry).

Half-life: zuclomiphene stays measurable for over a month; enclomiphene clears faster (label)

What the research shows

• A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials of clomiphene and enclomiphene in men with functional low T found testosterone about 274 ng/dL higher than placebo (95% CI 192–356), with higher LH and FSH, and no clear difference from testosterone gel.
• A 2026 meta-analysis of 11 studies (1,512 men) found clomiphene and testosterone gel raised testosterone similarly, injected testosterone more (one study), and libido scores were lower on clomiphene than on testosterone.
• In 400 men followed in two clinics (retrospective), 120 took it for over 3 years: 88% reached normal testosterone, 77% reported better symptoms, 8% reported side effects. Estradiol rose.
• In 86 young men with low T (mean 19 months, case series), 25 mg every other day, raised to 50 mg every other day if needed, raised testosterone and gonadotropins; 70% finished on 25 mg.
• After 40 days of 50 mg daily in 75 men, 92% had testosterone above 300 ng/dL; six months after stopping, 24% still did, so most needed to stay on it.
• After a single 50 mg dose, zuclomiphene was still measurable at 21 days and its half-life could not be calculated; the label says it persisted for over a month.

Dosing

Dosing isn’t listed on the public site. In the app, each published option is shown with its source (a drug label, a clinical guideline, a trial or community reports) and can be turned into a protocol you review.

Side effects

• Hot flashes, headache, mood changes
• Breast tenderness; estradiol rises with testosterone
• Blurred vision or visual spots (label: can be prolonged or irreversible; stop and see a doctor)

Cautions

• Works only if the testes can respond: not for primary testicular failure.
• Check testosterone, estradiol, LH and FSH on bloodwork, and again after any dose change.
• The zuclomiphene half lingers for weeks, so effects (and side effects) outlast the last dose.
• Not for anyone who could be pregnant (label), or with liver disease, ovarian cysts, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease or a pituitary tumor.
• Prohibited in tested sports (WADA).

Storage

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