Clomiphene
Status
FDA-approved. FDA-approved labeling exists as Clomid and Serophene for the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy. There is no approved indication in men. The label warns about visual symptoms, ovarian enlargement and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
What it is
A SERM used in fertility medicine that raises LH and FSH signaling.
What published research measured
A selective oestrogen receptor modulator supplied as a mixture of two isomers with meaningfully different properties — enclomiphene, the anti-oestrogenic isomer that drives the rise in gonadotropins, and zuclomiphene, which is oestrogenic and has a far longer half-life, accumulating over weeks of use. That accumulation is the published explanation for several of the effects reported on prolonged administration. Its approved use is ovulation induction in women, supported by decades of trial data. Use in men to raise endogenous testosterone by blocking hypothalamic oestrogen feedback is off-label; observational studies and small trials show it does raise testosterone and preserves fertility in a way that administered testosterone does not, but long-term outcome data is limited. Visual disturbances are a documented and important adverse effect that warrants stopping.
Source
FDA labeling for Clomid, including visual symptom warnings
Sources
No linked primary source is on file for this entry yet.
Educational use only, never medical advice. No doses.