How Clomiphene Citrate Works.

Clomiphene citrate comes in a pill, which a woman will begin taking on the third to the fifth day of her menstrual cycle. The typical starting dose is one 50mg tablet per day for five days. If a cycle is unsuccessful, the healthcare provider may increase the dose by 50mg increments in subsequent cycles.

Clomiphene citrate fools the body into believing that the level of estrogen is low. As a result, the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) into the bloodstream.

The high level of FSH, in turn, stimulates the development of a follicle and egg. If the treatment cycle is successful, a surge of LH may occur about a week after the last tablet is taken.

This surge of LH causes the egg to be released in a process called ovulation. In some cases, the treatment may result in more than one egg.

If ovulation does occur, fertilizing the released egg, either through timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination, is the next step. Your healthcare provider will determine which method is more likely to lead to successful fertilization.

Your healthcare provider may also choose to use other medications in combination with clomiphene citrate to improve the chances of conception. Low-dose estrogen may be used to thin the cervical mucus, or progesterone may be used to maintain the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium).

Tracking your response to clomiphene citrate.

A key to successful treatment with clomiphene citrate is monitoring if and when ovulation occurs. During treatment, your healthcare provider will track your response using your menstrual pattern, a basal body temperature (BBT) chart, an ovulation predictor kit, or by blood tests to check serum progesterone levels.

Learn more about appropriately timed intercourse

There are some risks and side effects associated with clomiphene citrate therapy. Always inform your healthcare provider if you experience side effects while taking your medication.

If you have questions about taking Serophene® (clomiphene citrate tablets USP), please speak to your healthcare provider or call Fertility LifeLines™ at 1–866–LETS–TRY (1–866–538–7879). All calls are free and confidential.