What is clomifene citrate used for?

Clomifene changes hormone signalling between the brain and ovaries. This can encourage the body to produce hormones that help a follicle grow and release an egg. It may be considered for some people with irregular or absent ovulation, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome, after an assessment of other causes of difficulty conceiving.

Treatment is prescribed in timed courses within the cycle. Ovulation may be followed with symptoms, blood tests or ultrasound, depending on the fertility plan. Clomifene is not suitable for every cause of infertility and does not treat blocked fallopian tubes or sperm-related causes.

Take clomifene only as prescribed and do not change the dose or repeat a course without review. Keep the monitoring appointments and record bleeding, cycle dates and symptoms. Tell the prescriber about liver disease, ovarian cysts, unexplained bleeding, visual problems, and all medicines or supplements.

Follow instructions about pregnancy testing and the timing of intercourse or another fertility treatment. Seek advice before taking a further course if your period does not arrive as expected.

Stop and contact your fertility team urgently for severe pelvic pain, marked abdominal swelling, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a swollen painful leg. Report blurred or flashing vision promptly, because visual symptoms can require the medicine to be stopped. New heavy bleeding also deserves medical assessment.

Ask what is causing irregular ovulation, how your response will be monitored, when to take each dose, and what happens if ovulation does not occur. Discuss the possibility of more than one pregnancy and which symptoms require immediate contact.