Side effects of clomiphene

introduction

The drug clomiphene is a so-called anti-estrogen (also anti-estrogen), which is used in fertility treatment to trigger ovulation.
The drug, which represents a great advance in the treatment of infertility, unfortunately also has some side effects. Treatment with clomiphene is therefore only possible under medical supervision so that any complications that may arise can be treated.

Read more about how Clomiphene

Overview of the side effects of clomiphene

Clomiphene is a very effective drug, but unfortunately also rich in side effects. However, with the correct dosage and under medical supervision, side effects can often be avoided. Typical side effects of taking clomiphene are

  • a headache
  • Visual disturbances
  • nausea
  • Hot flashes
  • dizziness
  • Enlargement of the ovaries
  • Weight gain due to water retention
  • Flatulence, vomiting and general gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Circulatory problems
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • sleep disorders
  • depressions
  • Breast tenderness
  • allergic skin reactions (redness, burning sensation and rashes)
  • Thrombosis
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

You might also be interested in these topics:

  • How can you encourage ovulation?
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Visual disturbances

Visual disturbances when taking clomiphene manifest themselves in different forms, but never as blindness in one or both eyes. Rather, it is a kind of blurred vision and a slight impairment in vision. Furthermore, there may be flickering eyes or the seeing of flashes of light.

These visual disturbances also last only a few days and are not a cause for concern, although they are found to be very uncomfortable. Nevertheless, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Nausea and vomiting

Clomiphene works through an anti-estrogenic mechanism on a hormonal gland called the pituitary gland. As a result, other hormones such as FSH and LH are released more frequently.
This interference with the hormonal control loop can have a number of side effects in a complex manner, including nausea and vomiting.

Hot flashes

Since clomiphene intervenes in hormonal control circuits, symptoms often arise that correspond to the premenstrual syndrome or period. As a result, some women experience hot flashes.

In contrast to what would be the case during menopause, for example, the hot flashes subside a few days after the end of clomiphene therapy.

dizziness

The cause of the dizziness has not really been clarified. However, this side effect is only a short-term phenomenon, so that permanent damage to health does not have to be feared.

However, if paralysis occurs, a doctor must be consulted, as clomiphene can also promote the development of thrombosis.

Weight gain

This side effect is also rare. The weight gain is due to a change in the hormonal balance and often to mere water retention in the tissue.

After the end of the therapy, the weight often returns to normal quickly.

Very rarely, weight gain can also be caused by fluid retention in the abdomen and ovaries. This build-up of fluid can result from overstimulating the ovaries. Since in such a case life-threatening thromboses can also occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Abdominal pain

The use of clomiphene can also lead to drawing abdominal pain, such as those that occur with PMS or menstrual cramps.

The pain usually subsides a few days after the treatment, so there is no need to stop the therapy. The pain can be relieved by using hot water bottles or anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

sleep disorders

These can be problems falling asleep or staying asleep. The sleep disorders can be counteracted by various measures, such as soothing teas in the evening before bed, and increased sleep hygiene.

Sleep hygiene is understood to be measures that enable an undisturbed night's sleep. This includes, for example, a sufficiently darkened room, rest and a sufficient period of rest before going to bed. The sleep disorders usually disappear a few days after the treatment.

Mood changes

Unfortunately, clomiphene is known to cause mood changes as well. This is usually a slightly depressed or irritable mood.
This should be known before taking clomiphene so that the mood can be assessed against the background of the clomiphene intake. However, in the event of very severe mood swings or even depressive symptoms, the use of clomiphene should be discontinued.

Learn more about the topic Mood swings

Chest tightness

The anti-estrogenic effects of clomiphene can cause symptoms similar to PMS. You have to imagine that clomiphene intervenes in the hormonal control loop and causes hormones such as FSH and LH to be released. This is supposed to trigger ovulation.

Similar to natural ovulation, breast tenderness and other similar PMS symptoms can also occur here. This is not a cause for concern and has no serious health implications.

Pain reliever medication such as ibuprofen can be used to alleviate the symptoms or massages of the tight tissue can be performed.

Our article provides more information on breast tenderness Chest pain when ovulating

Flush

When taking clomiphene, so-called flush symptoms can typically occur. This is a sudden reddening of the face that occurs like a fit, which results from a widening of the blood vessels. These symptoms occur frequently during clomiphene therapy. After stopping clomiphene, the symptoms of flushing disappear immediately.

Hair loss

Taking clomiphene typically does not lead to hair loss. In rare cases, however, temporary hair loss can occur, which returns to normal after discontinuing the drug. Normalizing hair loss can sometimes take a few cycles. If the hair loss does not normalize, other possible causes should also be considered and clarified.