However, as with any drug, you should be aware of the potential risks before treatment. Clomid may also be sold under its generic name clomiphene or under the brand name Serophene. These medications are all the same drug. Many Clomid side effects are the result of how the drug works. Clomiphene tricks the body into thinking there’s not enough estrogen. It does this by blocking estrogen receptors. This leads the body to release more GnRH, a hormone that tells the pituitary to release more FSH and LH. These hormones stimulate the ovaries and boost ovulation. Because most of the estrogen receptors are blocked, this leads to some of clomiphene’s side effects like headaches and vaginal dryness. Most of the other side effects are caused by the ovaries becoming slightly enlarged. Consult with your doctor to get a personalized assessment of your risks for various side effects and to address any questions or concerns you may have. When you’re having a hot flash, you may:
Suddenly feel extremely warm from withinExperience face flushBreak out in a sweatHave a more rapid heartbeat
After a hot flash, you might feel chilled, especially if you broke out in a sweat. Hot flashes are also known as night sweats if they happen while you’re sleeping. Wearing clothing that isn’t too tight around the waist may help. The bloated feelings should pass once your treatment cycle is over. What might explain why so few reported weight gain in early research, but so many people online complain about adding on pounds when taking Clomid? One possible explanation is the weight gain is a temporary outcome of bloating. Bloating is common during Clomid treatment, as is retaining water weight. If the weight gain is connected to bloating, then your weight should go back to normal after treatment. Another possibility is the stress of treatment leads to unhealthy eating. The best way to combat this is to plan your meals and have healthy, fertility-friendly snacks around when you get the munchies. Mood swings may mean feeling more emotionally sensitive, tearful, or even depressed or anxious. Infertility itself can bring on these feelings without drugs. Try to be forgiving and gentle with yourself and practice good self-care during treatment. Some people may see spotting and think that it is implantation spotting. But if you’re taking fertility drugs, spotting in the middle of your cycle can be related to the drugs. You shouldn’t necessarily assume it’s a pregnancy sign. Contact your doctor if the spotting is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Abdominal painFeverNausea and vomitingA feeling that something isn’t right
If you’re experiencing headaches, it may help to take the medication in the evening. This way, you can sleep through the pain. (If your doctor told you to specifically take the medication in the morning, ask first.) Also be sure to get plenty of fluids, since mild dehydration can cause headaches. Cervical mucus is needed to help transport the sperm into the cervix. If clomiphene causes thick cervical mucus, this can decrease the chances of getting pregnant. You may want to try using a sperm-friendly lubricant to make sex more comfortable. Vision disturbances may include:
Blurred visionSeeing flashing lightsSeeing floaters
Obviously, you should take care in driving or operating dangerous equipment if you experience visual side effects. Here are the possible risks to Clomid: Twin or multiple pregnancy: The risk of getting pregnant with twins or more may be the most well-known side effect of clomiphene. Data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2005, shows 11.7% of pregnancies were twin pregnancies and 1.1% were triplets or quadruplets. To reduce the chances of having twins, your doctor should always start you on the lowest dose first. Additionally, your doctor can do a mid-cycle scan to estimate the number of follicles and determine whether or not there is a high probability of twins or multiples. Together, you can determine at that time if you want to skip that cycle of proceed accordingly. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Usually mild with clomiphene treatment, but in rare cases, the severe form can occur. Without treatment, severe OHSS can be life-threatening. If you experience nausea, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, sudden weight gain, or severe bloating, contact your doctor immediately. Irreversible vision disturbances: Extremely rare, only in those who continue treatment after vision disturbance began. In those who discontinued treatment, vision disturbance stopped after three days. Ovarian cysts: 15.4% of people will develop an ovarian cyst during treatment. The cyst is typically benign (not cancerous), and it should go away on its own not long after the treatment cycle is over. If the cyst does not go away, the doctor should follow up and reevaluate. In rare cases, it may require surgical intervention. Ovarian cancer: Some studies have found an increased risk of ovarian cancer if clomiphene is taken for a year or longer. It’s unclear if this is caused by clomiphene or infertility itself.
Start on the lowest dose possible: More doesn’t necessarily mean better. Your doctor is likely to start you at the lowest dose, but if the first cycle fails, they may encourage you to try again at the same dose. You might think a higher dose would be better, but this isn’t necessarily true. Take the pill in the evening: If you’re getting headaches, taking Clomid before bed may help. Monitor your diet: Weight gain can occur while taking Clomid, but most of that weight gain should be temporary. Weight gain that comes from bloating and water retention will go away. However, the weight you gain from stress eating while taking Clomid will stay. Practice good self-care: Mood swings on Clomid are real. They aren’t “just in your head.” The best way to cope with this side effect is to take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and seek the support of friends and family. Dress in layers: If you’re experiencing hot flashes, dress in layers. This way, if you suddenly feel overheated, you can take something off and cool down a little quicker. Drinking something cold can also help you cool down.
