Clomid is one of the most popular drugs used in bodybuilding. What is the secret of popularity and how did the drug migrate from medicine to sports pharmacology? To answer these and other questions of interest to bodybuilders, it is necessary to analyze what kind of drug it is, how it is taken correctly. It is also worth comparing the effectiveness of the drug with Tamoxifen, since the drugs are similar in their action.
The use of Clomid in bodybuilding on a course of steroids
Clomid is characterized by a powerful antiestrogenic effect, therefore it is actively used by bodybuilders on a course of steroids. It blocks the receptors of the female sex hormone, prevents its action. This helps prevent gynecomastia.
According to experts, for professionals who take steroids frequently and in high doses, it is difficult to protect against the side effects associated with conversion to estrogen with Clomid. In this case, it is not effective enough. Experienced athletes are better off taking aromatase inhibitors that suppress estrogen production. This is the most effective way to counter the manifestation of side effects.
If we talk about fluid retention in the body, Clomid slightly interferes with this process. But its effectiveness in this direction is insufficient. The drug does not reduce the concentration of estrogen in the blood, but only blocks estrogen receptors. It is worth considering that with the issue of fluid retention in the body, it is worth contacting nutritionists more often, and not resorting to pharmacological agents. Keeps it can, for example, an excess of carbohydrates in the diet. The effect is further enhanced by the intake of anabolic steroids.
Clomid on the AAS course allows you to prevent such a side effect as gynecomastia, but it will not cope with water retention in the body.
See also about most reviews of Clomid
In bodybuilding after a course of steroids on PCT
The main use of Clomid in bodybuilding is for PCT. The fact is that after a course of anabolic steroids, the production of testosterone decreases. The degree of suppression is determined by the type of anabolics and their doses. After the end of the course, the process of synthesis of the male hormone begins to improve. But it is very slow – in some cases it can last up to a year. And the consequences of low testosterone manifest themselves from the negative side. Elevated levels of the catabolic hormone cortisol. Under its influence, fat mass is gained and muscle mass actively begins to break down.
With the help of pharmacological agents, it is possible to accelerate the process of restoring the synthesis of endogenous testosterone. For this purpose, PCT is being developed, which in most cases involves taking Clomid or Tamoxifen, as well as the peptide hormone – hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). What is the action of Clomid? In stimulating the release of gonadotropins. They, in turn, contribute to the synthesis of endogenous testosterone.
PCT is carried out if the bridge between steroid courses is more than 8 weeks. Otherwise, it is not recommended. PCT is also not performed if testosterone is administered between AAS cycles, as is common in hardcore athletes. Clomid on PCT is used to accelerate the restoration of natural testosterone synthesis.
Efficacy of Clomid for testosterone recovery: scientific studies
There is scientific evidence for the fact that Clomid is effective in the process of producing the male hormone. Various studies have been carried out:
- men aged 18-55 years took Clomiphene citrate for 2 weeks. In most of the participants in the experiment, testosterone levels increased by about two times. But there were also cases when, after 2 weeks and a month, a sharp decrease was observed;
- 125 men diagnosed with low male hormone levels (less than 400 ng/dl) and reduced libido took Clomid for 3 months. As a result, the concentration of testosterone increased by about two times. At the same time, the cholesterol level did not change, undesirable effects did not appear in any participant in the experiment.
Long-term studies have also been conducted in men with low testosterone levels. Within a year, its average concentration rose from 228 ng/dl to 612 ng/dl. Over the next year, the figures were already 562 ng / dl. By the end of the 3rd year of the study, they had risen to 582 ng/dl. No side effects were observed. Clomid has also shown to be effective in increasing libido in men with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. According to scientific studies, Clomid effectively increases the level of endogenous testosterone – an average of 2 times, regardless of the duration of admission (2 weeks or several years).
What are the side effects in bodybuilders when taking Clomid
Clomid is mild. It is well tolerated and does not cause undesirable effects in female or male athletes, which has been confirmed by scientific studies. But some side effects are still possible. Women who treat infertility with the drug note the manifestation of one of these side effects: irritability, mood swings, depression, fluid retention in the body. Other side effects are also possible:
- headaches;
- nausea;
- chest discomfort;
- acne.
The use of Clomid may be accompanied by vision problems – manifestations of clouding and blurring. In this case, you need to stop taking the drug. More often, after its cancellation, vision is restored. But there are cases where this did not happen. Possible reasons for this action are long-term use of the drug and exceeding the recommended dosages.
Studies conducted on pregnant rats have shown that as a result of taking Clomiphene citrate, multiple reproductive disorders in mothers and their offspring are possible.
There is a possibility that exposure to Clomid provokes a decrease in bone density.
Does Clomid cause cancer? There is no scientific evidence for such a relationship. Even with long-term use, no effect of Clomiphene citrate on the formation of cancer cells has been identified. It should be borne in mind that all studies were conducted on women in the treatment of infertility, and not on athletes who resort to the help of pharmacology.
Clomid is considered a relatively safe drug for bodybuilders. Its use can provoke visual impairment and a decrease in bone density. Even long-term use of an antiestrogen does not increase the likelihood of developing cancer.