Clomifene chemical structure
Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Clomid

Clomifene or clomifene citrate (old name clomiphene, sold as Clomid®, Serophene®, Milophene® and many others) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), used mainly in female infertility due to anovulation (e.g. due to polycystic ovary syndrome). In some countries, it is also registered for use in men. more...

Home
Diseases
Medicines
A
B
C
Cabergoline
Caduet
Cafergot
Caffeine
Calan
Calciparine
Calcitonin
Calcitriol
Calcium folinate
Campath
Camptosar
Camptosar
Cancidas
Candesartan
Cannabinol
Capecitabine
Capoten
Captohexal
Captopril
Carbachol
Carbadox
Carbamazepine
Carbatrol
Carbenicillin
Carbidopa
Carbimazole
Carboplatin
Cardinorm
Cardiolite
Cardizem
Cardura
Carfentanil
Carisoprodol
Carnitine
Carvedilol
Casodex
Cataflam
Catapres
Cathine
Cathinone
Caverject
Ceclor
Cefacetrile
Cefaclor
Cefaclor
Cefadroxil
Cefazolin
Cefepime
Cefixime
Cefotan
Cefotaxime
Cefotetan
Cefpodoxime
Cefprozil
Ceftazidime
Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone
Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime
Cefzil
Celebrex
Celexa
Cellcept
Cephalexin
Cerebyx
Cerivastatin
Cerumenex
Cetirizine
Cetrimide
Chenodeoxycholic acid
Chloralose
Chlorambucil
Chloramphenicol
Chlordiazepoxide
Chlorhexidine
Chloropyramine
Chloroquine
Chloroxylenol
Chlorphenamine
Chlorpromazine
Chlorpropamide
Chlorprothixene
Chlortalidone
Chlortetracycline
Cholac
Cholybar
Choriogonadotropin alfa
Chorionic gonadotropin
Chymotrypsin
Cialis
Ciclopirox
Cicloral
Ciclosporin
Cidofovir
Ciglitazone
Cilastatin
Cilostazol
Cimehexal
Cimetidine
Cinchophen
Cinnarizine
Cipro
Ciprofloxacin
Cisapride
Cisplatin
Citalopram
Citicoline
Cladribine
Clamoxyquine
Clarinex
Clarithromycin
Claritin
Clavulanic acid
Clemastine
Clenbuterol
Climara
Clindamycin
Clioquinol
Clobazam
Clobetasol
Clofazimine
Clomhexal
Clomid
Clomifene
Clomipramine
Clonazepam
Clonidine
Clopidogrel
Clotrimazole
Cloxacillin
Clozapine
Clozaril
Cocarboxylase
Cogentin
Colistin
Colyte
Combivent
Commit
Compazine
Concerta
Copaxone
Cordarone
Coreg
Corgard
Corticotropin
Cortisone
Cotinine
Cotrim
Coumadin
Cozaar
Crestor
Crospovidone
Cuprimine
Cyanocobalamin
Cyclessa
Cyclizine
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclopentolate
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclopropane
Cylert
Cyproterone
Cystagon
Cysteine
Cytarabine
Cytotec
Cytovene
Isotretinoin
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Clomifene is a racemic mixture of two geometric isomers, enclomifene and zuclomifene.

Clomifene acts by inhibiting the action of estrogen on the gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland. "Sensing" low estrogen levels, follicle-stimulating hormone release is increased, leading to a higher rate of ovulation and hence pregnancy.

Clomifene can lead to multiple ovulation, and hence increasing the risk of twins. In comparison to purified FSH, the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is low. There may be an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and weight gain.

Use In Bodybuilding

Clomifene is commonly used by male anabolic steroid users to bind the estrogen receptors in their bodies, thereby blocking the effects of estrogen, ie gynecomastia. It also restores the bodies natural production of testosterone. It is commonly used as a "recovery drug" and taken toward the end of a steroid cycle.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]


Polycystic ovary syndrome
From Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 4/6/01 by Mercedes McLaughlin

Definition

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of numerous cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries associated with high male hormone levels, chronic anovulation (absent ovulation), and other metabolic disturbances. Classic symptoms include excess facial and body hair, acne, obesity, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.

Description

PCOS, also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a group of symptoms caused by underlying hormonal and metabolic disturbances that affects about 6% of premenopausal women. PCOS symptoms appear as early as adolescence in the form of amenorrhea (missed periods), obesity, and hirsutism, the abnormal growth of body hair.

A disturbance in normal hormonal signals prevents ovulation in women with PCOS. Throughout the cycle, estrogen levels remain steady, LH levels are high, and FSH and progesterone levels are low. Since eggs are rarely or never released from their follicles, multiple ovarian cysts develop over time.

One of the most important characteristics of PCOS is hyperandrogenism, the excessive production of male hormones (androgens), particularly testosterone, by the ovaries. This accounts for the male hair-growth patterns and acne in women with PCOS. Hyperandrogenism has been linked with insulin resistance, the inability of the body to respond to insulin, and hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin levels), both of which are common in PCOS.

Causes & symptoms

While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it runs in families, so the tendency to develop the syndrome may be inherited. The interaction of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism is believed to play a role in chronic anovulation in susceptible women.

The numbers and types of PCOS symptoms that appear vary between women. These include:

  • Hirsutism. Related to hyperandrogenism, this occurs in 70% of women.
  • Obesity. Approximately 40-70% of PCOS patients are overweight.
  • Anovulation and menstrual disturbances. Anovulation appears as amenorrhea in 50% of patients, and as heavy uterine bleeding in 30% of patients; however, 20% of PCOS patients menstruate normally.
  • Male-pattern hair loss. Some PCOS patients develop bald spots.
  • Infertility. Achieving pregnancy is difficult in many women with PCOS.
  • Polycystic ovaries. Most, but not all, women with PCOS have multiple cysts on their ovaries.
  • Skin discoloration. Some women with PCOS have dark patches on the skin.
  • Abnormal blood chemistry. Women with PCOS have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
  • Hyperinsulinemia. Some women with PCOS have high blood insulin levels, particularly if overweight.

Diagnosis

PCOS is diagnosed when the patient visits her doctor for treatment of symptoms such as hirsutism, obesity, menstrual irregularities, or infertility. PCOS patients are treated by a gynecologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive organs, or a reproductive endocrinologist, a specialist who treats diseases of the body's endocrine (hormones and glands) system and infertility.

PCOS can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, and since all of its symptoms may not occur. The doctor takes a complete medical history, including questions about menstruation and reproduction, and weight gain. Physical examination includes a pelvic examination to determine the size of the ovaries, and visual inspection of the skin for hirsutism, acne, or other changes. Blood tests are performed to measure levels of LH, FSH, estrogens, androgens, glucose, and insulin. A glucose-tolerance test may be administered. An ultrasound examination of the ovaries is performed to evaluate their size and shape. Most insurance plans cover the costs of diagnosing and treating PCOS and its related problems.

Treatment

PCOS treatment is aimed at correcting anovulation, restoring normal menstrual periods, improving fertility, eliminating hirsutism and acne, and preventing future complications related to high insulin and blood lipid (fat) levels. Treatment consists of weight loss, drugs or surgery, and hair removal, depending upon which symptoms are most bothersome, and whether the patient desires pregnancy.

Weight loss

In overweight women, weight loss (as little as 5%) through diet and exercise may correct hyperandrogenism, and restore ovulation and fertility. This is often tried first.

Drugs

Hormonal drugs

Patients who do not want to become pregnant and require contraception (spontaneous ovulation occurs occasionally in PCOS patients) are treated with low-dose oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). OCPs bring on regular menstrual periods and correct heavy uterine bleeding, as well as hirsutism, although improvement may not be seen for up to a year.

If an infertile patient desires pregnancy, the first drug usually given to help induce ovulation is clomiphene citrate (Clomid), which results in pregnancy in about 70% of patients but can cause multiple births. In the 20-25% of women who do not respond to Clomid, other drugs that stimulate follicle development and induce ovulation, such as human menstrual gonadotropin (Pergonal) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), are given; however, these drugs have a lower pregnancy rate (less than 30%), a higher rate of multiple pregnancy (from 5-30%, depending on the dose of the drug), and a higher risk of medical problems. PCOS patients have a high rate of miscarriage (30%), and may be treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide (Lupron) to reduce this risk.

Since PCOS patients do not have regular endometrial shedding due to high estrogen levels, they are at increased risk for overgrowth of this tissue and endometrial cancer. The drug medroxyprogesterone acetate, when taken for the first 10 days of each month, causes regular shedding of the endometrium, and reduces the risk of cancer. However, in most cases, oral contraceptive pills are used instead to bring about regular menstruation.

Other drugs

Another drug that helps to trigger ovulation is the steroid hormone dexamethasone. This drug acts by reducing the production of androgens by the adrenal glands.

The antiandrogen spironolactone (Aldactazide), which is usually given with an oral contraceptive, improves hirsutism and male-pattern baldness by reducing androgen production, but has no effect on fertility. The drug causes abnormal uterine bleeding and is linked with birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Another antiandrogen used to treat hirsutism, flutamide (Eulexin), can cause liver abnormalities, fatigue, mood swings, and loss of sexual desire. A drug used to reduce insulin levels, metformin (Glucophage), has shown promising results in PCOS patients with hirsutism, but its effects on infertility and other PCOS symptoms are unknown. Drug treatment of hirsutism is long-term, and improvement may not be seen for up to a year or longer.

Acne is treated with antibiotics, antiandrogens, and other drugs such as retinoic acids (vitamin A compounds).

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of PCOS may be performed if drug treatment fails, but it is not common. A wedge resection, the surgical removal of part of the ovary and cysts through a laparoscope (an instrument inserted into the pelvis through a small incision), or an abdominal incision, reduces androgen production and restores ovulation. Although laparoscopic surgery is less likely to cause scar tissue formation than abdominal surgery, both are associated with the potential for scarring that may require additional surgery. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is another type of laparoscopic surgery used to treat PCOS. The ovarian cysts are penetrated with a laser beam and some of the fluid is drained off. From 50-65% of patients may become pregnant after either type of surgery.

Some cases of severe hirsutism are treated by hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries, followed by estrogen replacement therapy.

Other treatment

Hirsutism may be treated by hair removal techniques such as shaving, depilatories (chemicals that break down the structure of the hair), tweezing, waxing, electrolysis (destruction of the hair root by an electrical current), or the destruction of hair follicles by laser therapy; however, the treatments may have to be repeated.

Alternative treatments

PCOS can be addressed using many types of alternative treatment. The rebalancing of hormones is a primary focus of all these therapies. Acupuncture works on the body's energy flow according to the meridian system. Chinese herbs, such as gui zhi fu ling wan, can be effective. In naturopathic medicine, treatment focuses on helping the liver function more optimally in the horomonal balancing process. Dietary changes, including reducing animal products and fats, while increasing foods that nourish the liver such as carrots, dark green vegetables, lemons, and beets, can be beneficial. Essential fatty acids, including flax oil, evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), and black currant oil, act as anti-inflammatories and hormonal regulators. Western herbal medicine uses phytoestrogen and phytoprogesteronic herbs, such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), as well as liver herbs, like dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), to work toward hormonal balance. Supplementation with antioxidants, including zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C, is also recommended. Constitutional homeopathy can bring about a deep level of healing with the correct remedies.

Prognosis

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most PCOS symptoms can be adequately controlled or eliminated. Infertility can be corrected and pregnancy achieved in most patients although, in some, the hormonal disturbances and anovulation may recur. Patients should be monitored for endometrial cancer. Because of the high rate of hyperinsulinemia seen in PCOS, women with the disorder should have their glucose levels checked regularly to watch for the development of diabetes. Blood pressure and cholesterol screening are also needed because these women also tend to have high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which put them at risk for developing heart disease.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent PCOS, but if diagnosed and treated early, risks for complications such as and heart disease and diabetes may be minimized. Weight control through diet and exercise stabilizes hormones and lowers insulin levels.

Key Terms

Androgens
Male sex hormones produced by the adrenal glands and testes, the male sex glands.
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation.
Antiandrogens
Drugs that inhibit androgen production.
Estrogens
Hormones produced by the ovaries, the female sex glands.
Hirsutism
The abnormal growth of hair on the face and other parts of the body caused by an excess of androgens.
Hyperandrogenism
The excessive secretion of androgens.
Hyperinsulinemia
High blood insulin levels.
Insulin resistance
An inability to respond to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body to use glucose.
Ovarian follicles
Structures found within the ovary that produce eggs.

Further Reading

For Your Information

    Books

  • Goldfarb, Herbert A., Zoe Graves, and Judith Greif. "Anovulation." In Overcoming Infertility: 12 Couples Share Their Success Stories. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1995.
  • Goldfarb, Herbert A., Zoe Graves, and Judith Greif. "Polycystic Ovary Disease (Stein-Leventhal Syndrome)." In Overcoming Infertility: 12 Couples Share Their Success Stories. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1995.
  • Kaptchuk, Ted J., Z'ev Rosenberg, and K'an Herb Co., Inc. K'an Herbals: Formulas by Ted Kaptchuk, O.M.D. San Francisco, CA: Andrew Miller, 1996.
  • MacKay, H. Trent. "Gynecology: Persistent Anovulation (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome)." In Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, edited by Lawrence M. Tierney, Jr., et al. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1996.
  • "Ovary Problems." In The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments, edited by the editors of Time-Life Books. Alexandria, VA: Time-Warner, 1996.
  • Speroff, Leon, Robert H. Glass, and Nathan G. Kase. "Anovulation and the Polycystic Ovary." In Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology & Infertility, edited by Charles Mitchell. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1994.

    Periodicals

  • "Excess Hair." Harvard Women's Health Watch (September 1997): 4-5.
  • Franks, Stephen. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome." New England Journal of Medicine 28 (September 1995): 853-861.
  • Nestler John E., and Daniela J. Jakubowicz. "Decreases in Ovarian Cytochrome P450-17 Activity and Serum Free Testosterone After Reduction of Insulin Secretion in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome." New England Journal of Medicine 29 (August 1996): 617-623.
  • Perlmutter, Cathy, and Maureen Sangiorgio. "Missing Periods." Prevention Magazine (October 1994): 81-83,134.
  • "Polycystic Ovaries and Heart Disease." Harvard Women's Health Watch (September 1995): 7.
  • "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome." Harvard Women's Health Watch (November 1996): 2-3.

    Organizations

  • American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Rd., Shaumburg, IL 60173-6016. (847) 330-0230. http://www.aad.org
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20024. (202) 638-5577. http://www.acog.org
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine. 1209 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35216-2809. (205) 978-5000. http://www.asrm.com
  • RESOLVE, Inc., 1310 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144. (617) 623-0744. http://www.resolve.org

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Gale Research, 1999.

Return to Clomid
Home Contact Resources Exchange Links ebay