Clomid: Not Just For The Ladies

Andrew Siegel MD 8/20/2016

Frank Palopoli, Father Of Fertility

Frank Palopoli, the chemist who developed Clomid (clomiphene citrate), died last week at age 94. He conceived (pun intended) Clomid in the 1950s, a medication that stimulates ovulation and became the most widely prescribed fertility drug for women, resulting in pregnancy in millions of women who otherwise would not have been able to do so. Approximately 80% of women whose fertility is due to failure of ovulation respond to Clomid enabling conception. Clomid works by increasing production of hormones that spur egg ripening and release.

What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander

Clomid is not just for the ladies! In urology we have used it for many years to stimulate sperm production in infertile men with low sperm counts. But here is a little secret: it also raises testosterone levels nicely. It does so by stimulating the testes to secrete natural testosterone, as opposed to the other testosterone replacement products on the market that are external sources of testosterone that actually shut down testes production of sperm and testosterone. No shrunken testicles that have their function turned off, but respectable family jewels, happily churning out sperm and testosterone, as nature intended.

Clomid Biochemistry In A Nutshell (no pun intended!)

Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It works by increasing levels of the pituitary hormones that trigger the ovaries to produce eggs and the testes to produce sperm and testosterone. It blocks estrogen at the pituitary, so the pituitary sees less estrogen and makes more LH (luteinizing hormone) that stimulates the testes to make testosterone, and more FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) that stimulates the testes to make sperm. This is as opposed to external testosterone, which does the opposite, increasing estrogen levels that prompt the pituitary to make less LH and FSH, which causes the testes to cease production of sperm and testosterone.

Clomid usually works like a charm in increasing testosterone levels and maintaining sperm production, testes anatomy (size) and function. Its safety and effectiveness profile has been well established and minor side effects occur in proportion to dose and may include (in a small percentage of people): flushes, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, headache, and rarely visual symptoms.

 One issue is that Clomid is not FDA approved for low testosterone, only for infertility. Many physicians are reluctant to use a medication that is not FDA approved for a specific purpose, requiring it to be used “off label.” However, Clomid is effective and less expensive than most of the other overpriced testosterone products on the market and has the major advantage of stimulating natural testosterone while not shutting down testicular function.

Bottom Line: By virtue of a very sophisticated biofeedback system involving the pituitary gland in the brain and the testes, the use of external testosterone to boost native testosterone results in whatever feeble function the testes might have had to virtually cease completely and the possibility of atrophied, non-functional testes that no longer produce any sperm or testosterone.

 Clomid is an oral, less expensive alternative to testosterone replacement that stimulates natural testosterone production as well as sperm production. Kudos to Dr. Palopoli, whose magic drug has not only helped millions of women get pregnant, but has also helped enable countless men to fertilize their partners as well as raise their testosterone levels. Clomid is safer and much more sensible than traditional testosterone replacement.

Wishing you the best of health,

http://www.AndrewSiegelMD.com

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Author of THE KEGEL FIX: Recharging Female Pelvic, Sexual and Urinary Health– and MALE PELVIC FITNESS: Optimizing Sexual & Urinary Health available on Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, B&N Nook and Kobo; paperback edition available at TheKegelFix.com

Author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Andrew-Siegel/e/B004W7IM48

Apple iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-kegel-fix/id1105198755?mt=11

Trailer for The Kegel Fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHZxoiQb1Cc 

Co-creator of the comprehensive, interactive, FDA-registered Private Gym/PelvicRx, a male pelvic floor muscle training program built upon the foundational work of renowned Dr. Arnold Kegel. The program empowers men to increase their pelvic floor muscle strength, tone, and endurance. Combining the proven effectiveness of Kegel exercises with the use of resistance weights, this program helps to improve sexual function and to prevent urinary incontinence: www.PrivateGym.com or Amazon.  

In the works is the female PelvicRx DVD pelvic floor muscle training for women.

Pelvic Rx can be obtained at http://www.UrologyHealthStore.com, an online store home to quality urology products for men and women. Use promo code “UROLOGY10” at checkout for 10% discount. 

Tags: Andrew Siegel MD, clomid, clomiphene citrate, estrogen, Frank Palopoli, FSH, infertility, LH, selective estrogen receptor modulator, testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy