Enclomiphene citrate is generating buzz as a potential therapy for hypogonadism and maybe even as a performance enhancer. It’s thought to raise testosterone levels, which can be helpful in some medical situations.
But is enclomiphene a steroid? That’s the question we’ll answer in this article.
We’ll explore how enclomiphene works, compare it to anabolic steroids, and discuss its legal status to help you understand what enclomiphene really is.
Understanding Enclomiphene: Mechanism of Action
How Enclomiphene Works
Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). That means it works by latching onto estrogen receptors in the pituitary gland and blocking them.
When it blocks those receptors, it stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Then, GnRH prompts the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
LH and FSH then tell the testes to produce more testosterone and sperm. So, by blocking estrogen, enclomiphene jumpstarts a whole chain of events that leads to increased testosterone and sperm production.
Enclomiphene vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Enclomiphene is different from TRT because it helps your body produce its own testosterone, rather than introducing synthetic testosterone from an outside source.
That’s important because it can help maintain testicular function and fertility. TRT, on the other hand, can lead to testicular atrophy because it shuts down your body’s natural testosterone production.
Is Enclomiphene an Anabolic Steroid?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone. They work by boosting muscle growth and male characteristics. They do this by directly binding to androgen receptors.
Enclomiphene is different. It’s not a synthetic form of testosterone, and it doesn’t bind to androgen receptors. Instead of replacing testosterone, enclomiphene stimulates your body to produce more of its own testosterone.
It does this by interacting with the pituitary gland, which then signals the testes to produce more testosterone. That’s fundamentally different from synthetic testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or anabolic steroids.
Potential Benefits and Uses of Enclomiphene
Enclomiphene has several potential medical uses and may also appeal to bodybuilders.
Medical Uses
- Enclomiphene is primarily used to treat secondary hypogonadism in men. It raises serum total testosterone levels while maintaining normal sperm counts, but is drinking water enough to increase testosterone?
- Doctors may prescribe enclomiphene off-label to address symptoms of low testosterone.
Potential Benefits for Bodybuilding
Some sources claim that enclomiphene may offer the following benefits for bodybuilding:
- Increased energy levels
- Improved fat loss
- Promotion of muscle growth
- Reduced recovery time
Dosage, Administration, and Potential Side Effects
Dosage and Administration
Enclomiphene typically comes in tablet form, in dosages of 12.5 mg and 25 mg. A typical dose ranges from 12.5 mg to 25 mg daily, taken orally, with or without food.
It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before taking any medication. They can offer personalized advice about dosage and administration.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, enclomiphene may come with some potential side effects. Some people report an increased libido, acne, and mood changes, including potential temper issues, but is this related to testosterone causing anger?
Other reported side effects include mood swings, light sensitivity, headaches, and nausea.
It’s important to discuss potential interactions with other medications with your doctor. According to Drugs.com, enclomiphene has moderate interactions with at least 71 drugs and mild interactions with at least 101 drugs.
Is Enclomiphene legal?
Enclomiphene is not approved by the FDA. In fact, the FDA rejected the New Drug Application for Enclomiphene back in 2015.
Also, if you’re a competitive athlete, be aware that enclomiphene is not considered a legal substance in many competitive sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangers of Clomid in men?
While Clomid can be prescribed off-label to men to boost testosterone, it’s not without its risks. Some men experience mood swings, vision changes, and even gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue). It’s crucial to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor.
What type of drug is enclomiphene?
Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This means it selectively blocks estrogen in certain areas of the body, which in turn can stimulate the production of testosterone. It’s not an anabolic steroid.
Is enclomiphene bad for you?
Like any medication, enclomiphene carries potential side effects. Some men may experience headaches, visual disturbances, or mood changes. The severity and frequency of these side effects can vary from person to person. Your doctor can help you assess whether enclomiphene is a safe option for you.
Why did the FDA ban enclomiphene?
The FDA hasn’t banned enclomiphene. However, there may be instances where specific formulations or uses of enclomiphene are not FDA-approved. It’s essential to use only FDA-approved medications and consult with a healthcare professional about the appropriate and legal use of any drug.
Can enclomiphene cause ED?
While enclomiphene is often prescribed to treat low testosterone, which can contribute to ED, some users have reported experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect. This is not a common side effect, but it’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Wrapping Up
Enclomiphene is not a steroid. It works on your body in a completely different way from anabolic steroids.
It may have some benefits for people with hypogonadism. Some bodybuilders think it might offer benefits as well. But it also comes with potential side effects.
Before you consider using enclomiphene, be sure you understand all the risks and benefits. And most importantly, talk with a doctor.