Introduction
The drug Clomifen is a so-called anti-estrogen (also called anti-estrogen), which is used in fertility treatment to trigger ovulation. Unfortunately, this drug, which is a major advance in infertility treatment, also has some side effects. Therefore, treatment with clomiphene is only ever possible under medical supervision so that any complications that may arise can be treated.
Overview of the side effects of Clomifen
Clomiphene is a very effective drug but unfortunately also has many side effects. In the right dosage and under medical supervision, side effects can often be avoided. Typical side effects of taking clomifen are
- Headaches
- Visual disorders
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Swindle
- Enlargement of the ovaries
- Weight increase, caused by water retention
- Flatulence, vomiting and general gastrointestinal complaints
- Circulatory problems
- Too low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Insomnia
- Depressions
- Breast Tensions
- Allergic skin reactions (redness, burning and rashes)
- Thromboses
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- How can you stimulate ovulation?
- How do I get pregnant? Vision problems associated with clomiphene intake manifest themselves in various forms, but never in blindness in one or both eyes. Rather, it is a kind of blurred vision and a slight impairment of vision.
Furthermore, there may be a flickering of the eyes or flashes of light. These visual disturbances also only last for a few days and are no cause for concern, although they are perceived as very unpleasant. Nevertheless, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Clomiphene acts via an anti-oestrogenic mechanism on a hormonal gland called the pituitary gland. This causes increased secretion of other hormones, such as FSH and LH. This intervention in the hormonal control circuit can cause some side effects in a complex way, including nausea and vomiting.
Since clomiphene interferes with the hormonal system, it often causes symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome or menstruation. Some women therefore experience hot flushes. In contrast to menopause, hot flushes subside a few days after the end of clomiphene therapy.
The cause of the dizziness is not really clear. However, this side effect is only a short-lived phenomenon, so there is no need to fear permanent damage to health. However, if paralysis should occur in conjunction with vertigo, a doctor must be consulted, as clomiphene can also promote the development of thromboses.
This side effect also occurs rarely. The weight gain is due to a change in the hormone balance and often to mere water retention in the tissue. After the end of therapy, the weight often returns to normal quickly.
Very rarely, weight gain can also be caused by fluid accumulation in the abdomen and ovaries. This accumulation of fluid can be the result of ovarian overstimulation. Since in such a case life-threatening thromboses can also occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
Taking clomiphene may also lead to pulling abdominal pain, as is also the case with PMS or menstrual problems. The pain usually subsides a few days after the treatment, so there is no need to stop the therapy. The pain can be relieved by hot-water bottles or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen.
These can be difficulties in falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Sleep disorders can be counteracted by various measures, such as calming teas in the evening before going to bed, and increased sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to measures that enable an undisturbed night’s sleep.
This includes, for example, a sufficiently darkened room, rest and a sufficient resting phase before sleeping. Sleep disorders usually disappear again a few days after treatment. Unfortunately, clomiphene is known to cause a change in mood under certain circumstances.
This is usually a slightly depressed or irritable mood. This should be known before taking clomiphene so that the mood can be assessed against the background of taking clomiphene. However, in the event of very severe mood swings or even depressive symptoms, the intake of clomiphene should be discontinued.
The antiestrogenic effect of clomiphene can trigger PMS-like symptoms. One has to imagine that clomiphene interferes with the hormonal control cycle and causes a release of hormones such as FSH and LH. This is supposed to trigger ovulation.
Similar to natural ovulation, breast tenderness and other similar PMS symptoms can occur. This is not a cause for concern and has no serious health effects. Painkillers such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve the symptoms, or massages of the tightening tissue can be performed.
Taking clomiphene can typically lead to so-called flush symptoms. This is a sudden, sudden reddening of the face, which results from a dilation of the blood vessels. This symptomatology occurs frequently during clomiphene therapy.
After discontinuation of clomiphene, the flush symptoms disappear immediately. Taking clomiphene typically does not lead to hair loss. In rare cases, however, temporary hair loss may occur, which will return to normal after discontinuation of the medication.
Normalizing hair loss may take a few cycles. If the hair loss does not normalize, other possible causes should be considered and clarified.
