ALTERNATIVE STEROID NAMES:	Clomid, Clomiphene citrate, Clomid oral, Serophene, Genozym, Clomi 50
ACTIVE SUBSTANCE:	Clomiphene citrate
Testicle Stimulation:
Anti-Estrogen Use:
Cutting/Definition:
Side Effects:
Ability to keep Gains:
Usual dosages:	50 - 100 mg per day
Detection time:	Estimated 4 - 6 weeks.
Beginner Use:
Female Use:
Pros:	Very good all around PCT, easily found, cheap.
Cons:	None really.

Clomid

(Clomiphene Citrate)

Developed for the purpose of ovarian stimulation Clomiphene Citrate actively stimulates the gonadotropins by increasing production; protein based hormones essential to a well-functioning endocrine system. However, while ovarian stimulation was its primary design, by its very nature it stimulates all gonadotropins within the body and several other uses have been found for this non-steroidal medication, particularly in the world of performance enhancement. That is correct, Clomidas it is most commonly known is not a steroid, as it belongs to a class known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and like most all SERMs serves a vital purpose in hormonal production. As we will see, while ovarian stimulation and performance enhancement are perhaps its most common reason for use many men supplement with Clomid for the purpose of treating low testosterone, similar to the supplementation of aromatase inhibitors to meet this end.

Clomid:

A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Clomid by design binds to the receptors thereby preventing estrogen from binding; in simplistic terms it takes estrogens place at this binding point and this can serve and bring about several benefits to the intended individual. While binding to the receptors Clomid also simultaneously increases the release of both Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormones (LH & FSH) by way of stimulation; as both LH and FSH are imperative to testosterone production, without testosterone declines, through this direct stimulation natural testosterone production is increased. For the performance enhancer this presents two distinct benefits, one for On-Cycle protection by the receptor binding and one for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) in-terms of re-stimulating proper natural hormonal production. For the treatment of low testosteronewe can also easily begin to see the purpose, as increased LH and FSH lend to the desired end.

We must here give distinction to clear up common confusion. It is often believed by many that Clomid actively reduces the amount of estrogen within the body or that it actively blocks it from existing in the first place; for this reason many refer to it as an anti-estrogen but this is somewhat inappropriate. Clomid does not inhibit estrogen production nor does it reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. Yes, there are medications that have this affect, most notably aromatase inhibitors, the most common being Arimidex and Letrozole. However, while Clomid does carry with it some similarities, especially revolving around HPTA its direct nature is unique in comparison to aromatase inhibitors.

The Benefits of Clomid:

For the anabolic androgenic steroid user there are three distinct benefits separated into two distinct categories; therapeutic testosterone replacement and performance enhancement. As we are aware many anabolic steroids convert into estrogen once present in the human body and never is this truer than with the advent and presence of exogenous testosterone. The cause of this estrogen conversion is largely brought on by what is commonly referred to as the aromatase process and it is this process that can lead to many of the most commonly known steroidal side-effects. Estrogen buildup is largely responsible for the brunt of anabolic steroid related side-effects and perhaps the most threatening for many is Gynecomastia or what is commonly known as Gyno or male breast enlargement. It is true, Clomid will do very little to reduce the total amount of estrogen in the body, in-fact it really wont do anything at all but it can prevent the existing estrogen from binding to the receptors of the pectoral region thereby preventing the onset of Gynecomastia. It is important to note, while this binding at the receptors can be very efficient it is limited in action; those who are extremely sensitive or who have a greater buildup of estrogen than Clomid can bind will find this SERM to be useless in-terms of side-effect prevention. For this individual only an active aromatase inhibitor will do; in the case of this individual we need a medication that not only inhibits estrogen from existing by conversion but one that actively reduces the total amount as well; this is where Arimidex and Letrozole really become invaluable.

While Clomid has a use for On-Cycle steroid use it is perhaps during PCT that it really shines through and it is here most in the performance enhancing world will find it most beneficial and understanding this is relatively simple. When we supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids our natural testosterone production is suppressed; the degree varies depending on the steroids used and dosing and duration can also have an effect but regardless suppression will exist. Because natural testosterone suppression exists most will supplement with the testosterone steroid while on cycle; it is important to note, even the testosterone steroid actively suppresses natural testosterone production. As natural production is suppressed, while on cycle if exogenous testosterone is being used this is of very little concern; after all, with exogenous testosterone use we ensure we have the testosterone we need in our body and yes, you need testosterone as it is a hormone of absolute vital importance. Once the cycle is complete this is where some find they run into trouble; it is very common for gains from a cycle to be lost to the wind and for an individual to put on a little fat and just feel like a pile of garbage. Why does this happen, its simple, theyre not producing any or enough testosterone and no longer have any exogenous testosterone to meet this end. Through the use of Clomid, recall, it actively stimulates the release of natural testosterone we can see this problem remedied as it becomes a concern of distant memory past.

It is commonly understood, testosterone is produced in the testicles of men but many fail to understand this is not where production begins; yes, you need well-functioning testicles but in many ways this is the end of the testosterone assembly line. To produce testosterone in adequate amounts we may aptly say production begins at the pituitary; the pituitary must release LH and it must release an adequate amount; the amount of LH released greatly determines the amount of testosterone produced. Again, recall from above, Clomid greatly stimulates LH release, thereby stimulating total testosterone production and aiding in ensuring enough testosterone is in the body. For years, in-fact decades performance enhancers have supplemented with Clomid for PCT purposes in order to preserve gains made but while this is important it proves to be even more important in-terms of preserving overall health; remember, testosterone is essential, so essential we can aptly label it one of the most important hormones the human body will ever produce.

As Clomid so greatly stimulates natural testosterone production the benefit for the low testosterone patient is very easy to see; if you suffer from low testosterone you simply need to produce more andClomid can provide a means by which your naturally produced levels can increase. For many men this is a welcomed medication to fill this role; simply take a pill once or twice a day and be done with it, problem solved but more times than not its simply not that simple. While Clomid can be beneficial and effective in low testosterone treatment more times than not it is not strong enough and directtestosterone therapy is needed; meaning, some sort of exogenous testosterone must be applied.

The Side-Effects of Clomid:

Anabolic steroids, SERMs, NSAID painkillers such as Aspirin, they all carry with them possible side-effects, some more so than others and individual sensitivity always plays a large, very large role; while simplistic it is no different than how some are lactose intolerant while others are not. Remember, possible side-effects simply mean maybe it can happen and in no way means it will. As it pertains to Clomid we have a relatively side-effect friendly medication in-fact most will experience noside-effects at all but of those that do the most common is blurred vision. No, blurred vision does not mean blind, it simply means blurred and it will return to normal once use is discontinued. Some individuals have also reported abdominal discomfort and even hot flashes but both are extremely rare, so rare less than 1% of all Clomid users will ever experience them to any degree. Some Clomid users have also reported acne, especially on their back or shoulders but this is largely due to the increase of the now higher natural testosterone production and generally clears very fast as the body adapts and becomes accustomed.

Clomid and Nolvadex:

It is very common for both Clomid and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) to be interchanged in conversation and this is not the worst comparison ever made as they are both very similar to one another in action as it pertains to those who supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids for any reason. However, while very similar in nature we cannot and should not interchange them identically as there are differences, most notably in-terms of potency. Both Clomid and Nolvadex belong to the SERM classification and both SERMs actively protect against estrogenic related side-effects and carry with them the ability to stimulate natural testosterone production. While the mode of action is very similar we find that on a milligram for milligram basis Nolvadex is much stronger than Clomid; for example to equal the power of 40mg of Nolvadex the individual would need close to 200mg of Clomid. In the end the individual will simply choose the one that works best for them but you need to be aware of the potency differences if you are to make the best use of either item. Many individuals fail to benefit from Clomid simply because they dont use enough, they often supplement with Clomid identically to the way they would Nolvadex and this is as you can see a mistake.

Clomid Cycles and Doses:

As Clomid side-effects are very rare and extremely mild if they occur at all, Clomid can be used for far extended periods of time if necessary; one could safely and effectively supplement with Clomid the entire duration of a cycle to prevent Gynecomastia if proven necessary. While Nolvadex is far more common to meet this end a simply dosing of 25mg of Clomid every day can in many cases be sufficient to prevent certain aromatase related side-effects while on cycle. However, many in the performance enhancing world will find this to be lacking as their doses of anabolic steroids will necessarily be high and stronger aromatase inhibitors will be needed.

Without question it is during the PCT period most will find Clomid to be the most beneficial and without question the most common time period in-which this SERM will be used. The majority of performance enhancers will find a 4 week total PCT period to be very efficient with 3 weeks of the total period consisting of Clomid. For example, a solid PCT schedule might include a 10-12 dayperiod of hCG use followed by 3 weeks of Clomid therapy. Generally, a dosing of 150mg every day for one week followed by 2 weeks at 100mg can be very effective but depending on the individual some will need more time and another week or two at 50-100mg per day should suffice in this instance.

The Effects of Clomid on PCT:

During the PCT period the basic idea is twofold; to stimulate natural testosterone production and normalize the body. When we supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids our natural testosterone production is suppressed. For this reason most performance enhancers supplement with exogenous testosterone in-order to provide the body what it needs; not to mention testosterone is one of the most versatile anabolic steroids to begin with of enormous power. Once an anabolic steroid cycle is complete the first order of business is to bring natural testosterone production back online. No, a PCT plan will not do this all on its own, it will actually take several months to achieve this end but a solid PCT plan will provide this much faster than without. This is where the effects of Clomid can be very useful.

One of the primary effects of Clomid is by the way it stimulates the release of Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormones (LH & FSH) with a strong emphasis on LH. Both LH and FSH are essential to testosterone production; again, LH to an even larger degree. Without the release of LH no testosterone will be produced; by the effects of Clomid more LH is released thereby signaling to the testicles to produce more testosterone. As our testosterone levels increase by-way of this stimulated release of LH and FSH we are able to preserve more of the gains we made while on cycle but more importantly protect our health. Testosterone is an essential hormone necessary to a healthy and well-functioning body; in-fact, the testosterone hormone is one of the most important hormones our body produces. If our body does not have access to an adequate amount of this potent androgen we lose muscle mass, gain body-fat, lose strength and we also suffer greatly regarding mental function, sexual function and in general our entire disposition and quality of life goes into decline. For the PCT purpose its not hard to see why the effects of Clomid are so highly desired by many performance enhancers.

Comparing Nolvadex:

Clomid is not the only SERM used during PCT; the powerful and potent SERM Tamoxifen Citrate(Nolvadex) may be even more popular. The reason Nolvadex is perhaps more popular is because its often more readily available but largely its more popular in many circles due to myth. The belief is that Nolvadex is more powerfully effective than Clomid; the truth, Clomid and Nolvadex are almost identical. The effects of Clomid and Nolvadex during PCT use are the same; both stimulate the production of natural testosterone by the same mode of action; in that there is no difference.

The reason this myth exists regarding Nolva as it is commonly known is because on a milligram for milligram basis Nolva is stronger than Clomid. When many performance enhancers supplement with Nolva, if they supplement with Clomid the next time theyll use a similar dose as they did with Nolva and even if they increase the dose its rarely enough. Doses of Nolva at 40mg per day are very common place during PCT use and many match their Clomid at a dose of 50mg per day and this is the problem. For the effects of Clomid to match 40mg of Nolvadex one will need about 150mg of Clomid. This does not make Clomiphene Citrate inferior to Tamoxifen Citrate any more than it makes Tylenol inferior to Extra-Strength Tylenol; we must simply recognize proper doses.

Clomid vs. AIs:

AIs or Aromatase Inhibitors are also often used during the PCT process and for stimulating natural testosterone production they may indeed beat the effects of Clomid; however, AI PCT use is not something we can recommend. AIs although excellent testosterone producing tools also greatly reduce estrogen and herein lies the problem. Estrogen is another very important hormone and during the PCT process we do not only want to stimulate testosterone production but we are wanting to normalize; we want all of our hormonal productions to be exactly what theyre supposed to be. The effects of Clomid will not decrease the estrogen levels of the body and this simply makes Clomiphene a better choice. Make no mistake, AIs are very useful to the performance enhancer while on-cycle as a means of protecting against many adverse side-effects but are best used for this purpose and not the PCT period.

Clomid Cycle Timing:

The basic Clomid cycle will as stated be used during PCT; in-fact, in many cases the entire PCT plan will comprise of this and only this SERM. When we start this cycle will be dependent on one single factor; how the anabolic steroid cycle ended. If our anabolic steroid cycle ends with any large ester base steroids in play our Clomid therapy will begin 2-3 weeks after out last steroid injection. Conversely, if our anabolic steroid cycle ends with all small ester base steroids our Clomid therapy will begin approximately 3 days after our last steroid injection.

This time frame protocol is very important to follow. If you start your Clomid cycle too soon and your anabolic steroid cycle ended with large ester steroids youll be beating your head against the wall. Large esters take time to clear the body and theres no point in trying to stimulate natural testosterone production when suppressing agents are still present in the body. The same way of thinking must be applied to small ester base steroids as well. If we wait too long to start our Clomid cycle were only damaging our cause; theres a good chance well lose a lot more of the progress made when we wait too long. Understand the truth; the best PCT plan in the world will not preserve all the gains you made while on a cycle of anabolic steroids but we can do things to improve how much we keep and a quality Clomid cycle coupled with proper diet and training can do wonders.

The Actual Clomid Cycle:

The actual Clomid cycle itself will normally last 4-5 weeks with some men increasing the total duration to 6 weeks. Most men will find a starting dose of 150mg per day and ending with 50mg per day to be more than sufficient. Some men may not need this many weeks; some may be fine with 3 weeks but 4-5 weeks is a good rule of thumb and will ensure your PCT plan is all it can be. A sample Clomid cycle most all will find useful is as follows:

• Week 1: 150mg Every Day
• Week 2: 150mg Every Day
• Week 3: 100mg Every Day
• Week 4: 100mg Every Day
• Week 5: 50mg Every Day
• Week 6: (Optional) 50mg Every Day

Enhancing Your Clomid Cycle:

The best way to enhance your Clomid cycle is by adding Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) a powerful peptide hormone that greatly stimulates natural testosterone production. If this is added into the equation you will begin hCG use before your Clomid therapy begins. Most men will find 10 days of hCG therapy to be more than sufficient and lend to a more well-rounded PCT recovery plan. For most men a dosing of hCG at 500iu-1,000iu every day for 10 straight days will be the way to go; how much you choose precisely will be determined by individual need. Once your hCG therapy is complete transition into your Clomid therapy immediately.

Further, in regards to timing; if your anabolic steroid cycle ended with all small ester steroids you will start your hCG therapy approximately 3 days after your last steroid injection. Conversely, if your anabolic steroid cycle ended with any large ester base steroids you will begin hCG therapy 10 days after your last steroid injection. Follow this protocol for hCG use combined with a quality Clomid cycle and you will not be disappointed in the results.