What is Clomid?

Clomid for men stimulates the body’s own production of testosterone. It can be prescribed in instances where someone would like to preserve fertility and sperm production as well as increasing testosterone production from the testes.

Clomid has few, if any, side effects and they are usually dose-related. Clomid, by increasing testosterone levels, can produce the same/similar effects as traditional TRT. However,each patient is different and your response will vary depending on current testosterone level.

What dose should I be taking?

Your doctor will review your dosing protocol during your consultation, and should provide these instructions to you so you know how to take your medication.

You will be started on a low dose and slowly titrated up based on your response to the medication in terms of benefits and potential side effects.

Your maintenance dose will usually be a daily dose regimen.

The usual treatment plan is as follows:

If you get any side effects from your medication, please reduce to the previous dose that you were taking. Example: if you start to see side effects on 50mg on alternate days, please reduce it to 25mg daily/50mg on alternate days.

It is important that you take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and avoid making any changes to this without speaking to the team first. Dosage adjustments will be made based on your Testosterone levels and side effects.

If you are stopping TRT and have been prescribed Clomid for this purpose, please do not follow the dosing instructions above.

What are the potential side effects?

The side effects of Clomid are usually dose-dependent but it is important that you let us know if you think you are experiencing any side effects from the medication so we can manage your treatment plan accordingly to ensure you get the best response.

Common side effects specific Clomid include:

• Hot Flushes and headaches (most common)
• Changes in libido (sex drive)
• Changes in mood
• Changes in energy level
• Increased aggression
• Male-patterned baldness
• Blurred vision

Some of these side effects are very similar to receiving Testosterone, however unlike direct Testosterone replacement, there should not be an adverse effect on your sperm count/fertility.

Who should NOT take Clomid?

If you have had your consultation and been started on Clomid, your doctor would have reviewed all potential contraindications.

There are three drugs that potentially interact with Clomid and if you are on any of these, please let us know and speak to your specialist who prescribed them:

• Abrocitinib (indicated for moderate/severe atopic eczema rarely used in the UK and only under dermatologist advice)
• Bexarotene (used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
• Fluoroestradiol F-18 (a dye used in PET scanners): If you require a PET scan, please discuss the fact you take Clomid at least 2 weeks before undergoing any imaging procedures.

Is long-term Clomid use safe?

Current evidence suggests that Clomid is safe and effective. In addition, the British Society of Sexual Medicine lists Clomid as a safe alternative to TRT.

Will I be monitored whilst on my treatment plan?

If you are prescribed only Clomid or Clomid alongside other medication you will follow the same ongoing monitoring whilst under our service. You will have your regular blood tests at different intervals and have your check-ins with the doctor.

Further information on Clomid can be found here. Please note that you are being prescribed Clomid off-label but there is strong evidence to support its use and effectiveness.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What if my medical status changes?

If you start taking any new medications or if there are any significant changes to your medical history, please inform our clinicians/doctors via your patient account messaging facility. If you experience any significant side-effects or want any further advice on your treatment, please do let us know.

It is important that you inform your GP about the medicines you take to ensure they have an accurate medication history. If you do not share this information with your GP it could result in the healthcare professional not having enough information to make informed clinical decisions about your care, increasing your risk of injuries or side effects. On your account page, you can download a letter to share with your GP that contains all the relevant information about your treatment plan.