Benefits of Enclomiphene Citrate for Bodybuilding and PCT

enclomiphene citrate

Enclomiphene citrate, also referred to jokingly online as “super Clomid,” is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) and traditionally used to ‘correct’ male hypogonadism. 

What differentiates enclomiphene from Clomid, and why is it used in the bodybuilding community after a cycle? Is it an important part of PCT, or can it be used independently? 

We will discuss below the various benefits of enclomiphene citrate for bodybuilding and PCT – it is arguably one of the more attractive options, with very few adverse effects reported compared to similar SERM alternatives.

What is Enclomiphene and How is it Useful?

Clomid was initially one of the first drugs commonly recommended for PCT (post cycle therapy) to help the body restore HPTA function and regain baseline testosterone levels. 

enclomiphene citrate how it works

Given that TRT and anabolic steroid use can impact a man’s fertility and hormone levels, the use of SERMs or other therapeutic agents is vital after completing a cycle. 

As a single isomer of clomiphene (Clomid), enclomiphene does not produce the same estrogenic sides that Clomid commonly does. 

Taking enclomiphene, like Clomid, encourages the release of LH luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), which promote testosterone production by the testis. It binds to estrogen receptors in the body to prevent estrogen from binding to them.

To word it another way, it “antagonizes” the negative feedback loop on GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) to stimulate FSH/LH.

This is where the application of enclomiphene for bodybuilding comes into play. 

Injecting yourself with exogenous testosterone or other anabolic steroids causes your natural testosterone to shut down via the loop that leads to the suppression of FSH and LH. This is what people are referring to online when they mention ‘test’ or a SARM being ‘suppressive.’ 

Long term use can lead to complete suppression of testosterone production, also known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

After completion of a cycle, one needs to make use of a PCT protocol to address the rise in estrogen and the shutdown of the HPTA. People usually use HCG to stimulate LH production, while using a SERM like Clomid or Nolvadex to control for estrogen. 

While Clomid is generally regarded as safe to use, there are a number of sides associated with long-term or high-dose Clomid use – many forum users and Reddit users report a number of noticeable changes including increased estradiol levels, vision difficulties (floaters/blurred vision), moodiness/depression, acne, and chest tenderness/gyno. 

enclomiphene citrate monotherapy

Opting for enclomiphene over Clomid (or in conjunction with HCG, pre/post) can help you derive the benefits of Clomid without the associated sides. 

Enclomiphene Citrate as Monotherapy 

First, is it possible to use enclomiphene long-term as a monotherapy, outside a cycle of TRT?

While it is definitely possible, there are some important things to consider. We have to recommend those that try this to always stick to the lowest (minimum effective) dosage that results in benefits. For most users, this will be around 3mg daily, or 6.25 mg EoD (every other day). 

Those that dose too high may experience a loss of proper estrogen signaling. You want to ensure that the increased estradiol levels can overcompensate for the estrogen receptor blocking of enclomiphene. 

While many may state that SERMs are worthless outside of restarting HPTA (hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis) post-cycle, this is clearly untrue given the traditional use of enclomiphene as a treatment for male hypogonadism unrelated to hormonal suppression from testosterone therapy or SARMs. 

Enclomiphene Citrate as PCT

Outside of monotherapy, much more common is utilizing enclomiphene as a SERM option for PCT coming off of a cycle of TRT. 

As we have previously established, any sort of TRT or SARM use will naturally shut down HPTA and suppress hormones. There is a grave misunderstanding within the bodybuilding community, that when you supplement with exogenous testosterone, you do not need to worry about natural testosterone production. 

This is obviously untrue. 

Saturation of the androgen receptor from increased androgens in the blood is the primary reason for testosterone shutdown. 

Prolactin, which is another hormone that is produced via the pituitary gland, can also lead to decreased testosterone in men. 

Both elevated and suppressed prolactin can cause sides for many people – what you want to achieve is homeostasis. Suppressed prolactin, which can occur after some SERM use, or increased prolactin, which can occur after some SARM/TRT use, can both lead to sexual dysfunction and a reduced libido. 

enclomiphene citrate post cycle therapy

People who do not find success with HCG or AIs (aromatase inhibitors) may have better success with enclomiphene. 

A standard dosage for enclomiphene as PCT for a long term TRT user is traditionally 12.5mg ED or EoD for ~12 weeks. This can be scaled back or shortened depending on the length of your cycle. 

The duration will also largely depend on how long your cycle of SARM use or TRT was. Those on TRT for a year or greater may need to do PCT for at least 2-3 months, while those running a shorter cycle can probably get away with 2-4 weeks. 

Many people also opt to use HCG in addition to Enclo at a dosage of 500 IU EoD for the first 2 weeks of PCT. Enclomiphene offers a very useful alternative to Caber, for example, which has been known to crash prolactin levels. 

“Super” Clomid or Just Part of the PCT Arsenal?

So, is enclomiphene really the “super” Clomid it is made out to be? 

Not exactly.

Any differences in testosterone levels are noted as mild increases. The main selling point of enclomiphene is that it tends to produce fewer unwanted side effects, making it a suitable choice for people on PCT in conjunction with HCG, or even as a prolonged monotherapy. 

super clomid

Enclomiphene alone can help to replace the need for HCG given that it has been demonstrated to increase the secretion of LH. With smaller cycles, you may not need to add anything else to your stack. 

As always, we recommend the use of enclomiphene under the supervision or guidance of a professional, especially if you intend to use it longer-term or a period of greater than 8-12 weeks. 

We also recommend ensuring you have a full panel done prior to PCT, and again several weeks after to understand your hormone levels post-cycle.

Dr. Ian Nellis MD
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Dr. Ian Nellis MD

Dr. Ian Nellis is a medical doctor with over ten years of experience in the health care industry. Dr. Nellis is passionate about sports nutrition and helping his patients live healthy and fulfilling lives. He lives and practices medicine in Denver, CO, with his wife and beloved Mastiff Leonardo.

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