Clomiphene citrate (clomid) is a synthetic non-steroidal drug that resembles estrogen in structure. It is widely used as an ovulatory stimulant. Having a similarity to estrogen, it can bind to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This prevents the hypothalamus from detecting “real” estrogen, and the hypothalamus, in turn, causes the pituitary gland to secrete more gonadotropins, such as FSH and LH. FSH and LH stimulate the ovaries, the testes to produce more estrogen in women or testosterone in men.
This property of clomiphene is widely used in the treatment of women with premature loss of ovarian function and for the induction of ovulation. However, long-term use of this drug is not safe, as it increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Pharmacology
Clomid is recommended for the treatment of women with ovarian dysfunction. Many women who fail to get pregnant have a disrupted ovulation process. Among patients with ovulation problems, there are patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and patients with unknown causes of amenorrhea. Clomid is prescribed only after a complete study of the menstrual cycle and determining the cause of the violation.
In the treatment of clomid, the time of reception is of great importance. To determine ovulation, the blood is examined and the body temperature is checked. If the fact of ovulation is established, start taking clomid. As a rule, clomid is prescribed on the fifth day of the cycle. Usually clomid is taken for 3-6 cycles. Long-term treatment with the drug is not recommended.
Mechanism of action of clomiphene
Clomid is a powerful medication. However, if the correct dosage and short treatment periods are observed, it can help with female infertility. Clomiphene is similar to estrogen. It interacts with estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and blocks these sites. In this case, the brain receives a signal about the insufficient amount of the hormone estrone in the body. This causes an increase in the level of gonadotropins, which increase ovarian stimulation for the production of estrogens. This leads to the synthesis of the hormone in both the adrenal glands and ovaries. Increasing the level of estrogen is important for the fertilization process.