Clomiphene (clomiphene citrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Reviewed byClearHormones Editorial Team, Medical-literature review

Last reviewed: 5/27/2026 · How we review →

Clomiphene (Clomid) is a SERM used for ovulation induction. It blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, prompting FSH/LH release to trigger ovulation. Long the classic fertility drug; in PCOS, letrozole now outperforms it for live births but clomiphene remains widely used. Taken orally for 5 days early in the cycle.

Quick facts

Drug class: Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Brand names: Clomid, Serophene
Forms: Oral tablet (50 mg)

What clinical trials show(2)

Published trial outcomes; sources listed below.

PPCOS II (NEJM 2014). Clomiphene live-birth rate 19.1% vs letrozole 27.5% in PCOS — letrozole superior (NCT00719186)
Legro et al. ovulation data. Clomiphene induces ovulation in ~70-80% of treated PCOS cycles; conception lower

Go deeper(3)

Reference pages for this drug, built from FDA prescribing information.

Side effects →Incidence rates and management Dosage →Schedules, forms, missed doses Pregnancy →Pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance

Key drug interactions(2)

Top interactions by severity; always review your full medication list with a clinician or pharmacist.

Clomiphene key drug interactions
Interacts with	Severity	Mechanism
Gonadotropins	moderate	Combined use raises OHSS and multiple-pregnancy risk — specialist-monitored
Estrogen products	minor	May blunt clomiphene's receptor-blocking effect

Pregnancy at a glance

Clomiphene is taken BEFORE conception to induce ovulation, then stopped. It is contraindicated once pregnancy occurs. It is not a treatment during pregnancy.

Full pregnancy and breastfeeding guide →

Telehealth providers that prescribe Clomiphene(3)

Independently reviewed providers offering Clomiphene for ovulation induction. Editorial ranking — affiliate links don't affect order.

Allara
90/100
Comprehensive PCOS and hormonal health telehealth. Multidisciplinary care team including endocrinologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
Pollie (PCOS Specialist)
85/100
PCOS-focused platform with phenotype-driven treatment matching. Specialist providers only.
Pollie
77/100
PCOS-focused care platform combining clinician access with personalized supplement protocols. Subscription model with medication and supplement bundling.

We don't sell Clomiphene or any medication. These are editorial reviews of telehealth providers — clicking through may earn us a commission, which does not affect our scoring.

Sources(4)

Was this Clomiphene overview helpful?

Clomiphene (clomiphene citrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Reviewed byClearHormones Editorial Team, Medical-literature review

Last reviewed: 5/27/2026 · How we review →

Quick facts

Drug class: Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Brand names: Clomid, Serophene
Forms: Oral tablet (50 mg)

What clinical trials show(2)

Published trial outcomes; sources listed below.

PPCOS II (NEJM 2014). Clomiphene live-birth rate 19.1% vs letrozole 27.5% in PCOS — letrozole superior (NCT00719186)
Legro et al. ovulation data. Clomiphene induces ovulation in ~70-80% of treated PCOS cycles; conception lower

Key drug interactions(2)

Top interactions by severity; always review your full medication list with a clinician or pharmacist.

Clomiphene key drug interactions
Interacts with	Severity	Mechanism
Gonadotropins	moderate	Combined use raises OHSS and multiple-pregnancy risk — specialist-monitored
Estrogen products	minor	May blunt clomiphene's receptor-blocking effect

Pregnancy at a glance

Clomiphene is taken BEFORE conception to induce ovulation, then stopped. It is contraindicated once pregnancy occurs. It is not a treatment during pregnancy.

Full pregnancy and breastfeeding guide →

Telehealth providers that prescribe Clomiphene(3)

Independently reviewed providers offering Clomiphene for ovulation induction. Editorial ranking — affiliate links don't affect order.

Allara
90/100
Comprehensive PCOS and hormonal health telehealth. Multidisciplinary care team including endocrinologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
Pollie (PCOS Specialist)
85/100
PCOS-focused platform with phenotype-driven treatment matching. Specialist providers only.
Pollie
77/100
PCOS-focused care platform combining clinician access with personalized supplement protocols. Subscription model with medication and supplement bundling.

We don't sell Clomiphene or any medication. These are editorial reviews of telehealth providers — clicking through may earn us a commission, which does not affect our scoring.

Was this Clomiphene overview helpful?

Clomiphene (clomiphene citrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Quick facts

What clinical trials show(2)

Go deeper(3)

Key drug interactions(2)

Pregnancy at a glance

Telehealth providers that prescribe Clomiphene(3)

Allara

Pollie (PCOS Specialist)

Pollie

Sources(4)

Clomiphene (clomiphene citrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Quick facts

What clinical trials show(2)

Go deeper(3)

Key drug interactions(2)

Pregnancy at a glance

Telehealth providers that prescribe Clomiphene(3)

Allara

Pollie (PCOS Specialist)

Pollie

Sources(4)