Last Updated on March 16, 2024
Clomiphene is a drug used to treat infertility in women. It works by stimulating the release of hormones needed for ovulation. While it is available on prescription in most countries, some people may be interested in buying clomiphene over the counter. In the UK, clomiphene is not available over the counter and can only be obtained by prescription from a registered healthcare professional.
There are a number of reasons why clomiphene is not available over the counter. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the medicine is used appropriately and safely. A healthcare provider can evaluate a person’s medical history and determine if clomiphene is an appropriate treatment option. In addition, taking clomiphene without proper medical supervision can lead to potential side effects and complications.
If a person is interested in using clomiphene to treat infertility, they should talk to their doctor about their options. While it may be tempting to try to buy the medication over the counter, it is important to prioritise safety and work with a licensed professional to ensure that the treatment is effective and appropriate for their individual circumstances.
What is Clomiphene?
Clomiphene is used to induce ovulation in women with infertility. As a so-called selective oestrogen receptor modulator, it acts on the natural binding sites for female hormones in the human body. Clomiphene is also used in certain cases of missed menstrual periods. Here you can read all about the action of Clomiphene, its side effects and how to use it.
How does Clomiphene works?
Hormonal regulation of the gonads
The function of the female (ovaries) and male (testes) gonads is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system. The hypothalamus is part of the midbrain and is an important control centre in the hormone system. Using the neurotransmitter GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), it stimulates the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins, i.e. the hormones LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). These travel through the blood to the gonads and ensure their proper functioning: In women, the gonadotropins are responsible for egg maturation in the ovaries, ovulation and the production of the sex hormones oestrogen and progestin. In men, the gonadotropins are responsible for the formation and maturation of sperm and the production of the male sex hormone testosterone.
Normally, the blood levels of sex hormones signal to the hypothalamus whether hormone production is optimal by the hormones binding to specific docking sites (receptors) on the hypothalamus.
However, if sex hormone levels are too low because the gonads are not producing enough hormones, this positive feedback does not occur. Increased secretion of hypothalamic GnRH then activates the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland – the gonads increase production of sex hormones. In the reverse case – for example, in doping, where sex hormones are administered externally to stimulate muscle growth – the pituitary gland responds to the increased gonadotropin levels by reducing the body’s production of sex hormones to return to normal levels.
Interference corrected with clomiphene
A disorder of this hormone system in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in women can lead to a lack of menstruation and ovulation. This is when drugs such as clomiphene can be given: Clomiphene blocks the docking sites for sex hormones in the hypothalamus and pituitary without activating them. This deficiency causes the body to simulate a ‘normal’ level of sex hormones. The hypothalamus responds by releasing more GnRH, and the pituitary gland by releasing more LH and FSH. This tells the ovaries to produce more sex hormones to compensate for the false deficiency. The resulting increase in oestrogen leads to ovulation or the onset of menstruation.
In men, clomiphene is used (“off-label”) to maintain the body’s own testosterone production without the need for doping.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of clomiphene
The drug clomiphene is rapidly absorbed in the intestine after oral administration, with the highest blood levels occurring four to seven hours after ingestion. The time it takes for the drug to be eliminated is half as long, at five days. The active ingredient is partly broken down in the liver, but leaves the body largely unchanged.
When used Clomiphene?
The drug is used to treat women who are infertile because they do not ovulate. However, it is not yet known whether there are other causes of infertility in men or women. It is also used to treat menstrual disorders. In both cases, women may become pregnant while taking clomiphene.
All applications in men come without authorisation.
How is Clomiphene used?
Treatment with clomiphene is given in cycles of up to five days. If there is no time left before menstruation, treatment with clomiphene can be started at any time. However, if the patient has regular menstrual bleeding (without ovulation), treatment should be started on or around the fifth day of the cycle.
In the first cycle, one tablet containing 50 mg of clomiphene is taken on each of the five days. If ovulation is not induced in the first cycle, another cycle is started 30 days later, this time with 100 milligrams of clomiphene. A total of six such cycles can be carried out.
What are the side effects Clomiphene?
Taking clomiphene caused an enlargement of the ovaries, flushing (reddening of the face) and hot flushes in more than one in ten treated patients. However, these side effects of clomiphene are limited to the duration of use.
Side effects that occur in one in ten to one in a hundred women are visual disturbances, abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
What should I watch for while taking Clomiphene?
Clomiphene is only to be used by women of childbearing age. This means that it should not be used by men, children and adolescents, or by women during or after the menopause.
In addition, Clomiphene should not be used by women with existing liver disease or hepatic impairment.
Clomiphene is not known to interact with other medicines.
After a successful fertilisation, experts strongly advise to stop taking clomiphene. This is because experience has shown that continued use of the drug may have a negative effect on the baby.
How to get Clomiphene
Clomiphene should only be used by an experienced doctor. It is therefore only available on prescription and can only be bought in pharmacies.
Since when Clomiphene is known?
Clomiphene has been known and used in medicine since the 1960s. At first it was only used to treat menstrual disorders. It was later discovered that it increased the chances of a successful pregnancy. Since then, clomiphene has also been used to treat lack of ovulation.
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