Clomid tends to have very few side effects in men.
However, there are several notable Clomid side effects that occur in the majority of users and that every individual should be aware of.
The vast majority of anabolic steroid users are male, and most of the common Clomid side effects associated with female Clomid use (medically known as ovarian dysfunction) should not manifest in men.
This is because male and female endocrine physiology is very different, and compounds or substances that have agonist/antagonist effects on sex hormones in the endocrine system can, in fact, exhibit very different effects between men and women.
In the case of SERMs, most men tolerate them considerably better than women do.
Common Clomid side effects observed in female infertility patients include uterine abnormal bleeding, headaches, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, vasomotor flushes, ovarian enlargement, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), and long-term use of Clomid can lead to ovarian tumors.
Optic Neuropathy (Vision Problems) and Visual Disturbances
This is probably the most commonly reported and very prominent Clomid side effect among men using Clomid.
This is a side effect that is almost unseen with its sister compound, Nolvadex, which is another reason why an increasing number of anabolic steroid users are switching to Nolvadex for hormonal recovery.
Not only is Nolvadex a superior compound milligram for milligram concerning hormonal recovery during PCT, but it also lacks the optic neuropathy, a serious Clomid side effect that can result in permanent vision damage.
This side effect has been observed anecdotally in the anabolic steroid using community as well as in clinical settings, and its frequency of occurrence is alarmingly concerning enough to warrant avoiding Clomid use.
In one study involving a female subject, immediate vision loss in the left eye was experienced just 5 days after Clomid use.
Although vision eventually returned, it was permanently damaged, and 20/20 vision was not restored in that eye[1].
Another study observing three female subjects who were on Clomid therapy for 4-15 months reported that all three experienced decreased peripheral vision, afterimages in their visual field (palinopsia), and a severe increase in sensitivity to light (photophobia).
These severe vision problems did not resolve after Clomid therapy ended, and they reportedly continued to experience these severe vision problems for 2 to 7 years thereafter[2].
More seriously, Clomid use has been associated with even more severe vision problems in certain patients, such as mydriasis, flashes, central scintillating scotomas, photophobia, diplopia, allergic reactions, retinal vasospasm, and posterior vitreous detachment, and it can increase the risk of developing cataracts in the eyes[3].
The reason why vision problems are part of Clomid’s side effects is not well understood.
Some have hypothesized that it is because Clomid is a mixed agonist/antagonist of the estrogen receptor, and since estrogen is a vasodilator, various pro-estrogenic (not just anti-estrogenic) effects occur in the eye region.
Although Nolvadex is also a mixed agonist/antagonist of the estrogen receptor, it has not been found to have the same effects in the eye region as Clomid, or at least not to the same extent as Clomid.
Therefore, Nolvadex can be a much safer alternative.
For this reason, many anabolic steroid-using bodybuilders and athletes have discontinued Clomid therapy during their PCT programs and decided to avoid Clomid use altogether for any reason.
If any visual disturbances are experienced, even minor ones, it is recommended to discontinue administration immediately, as the problem can worsen and lead to permanent vision damage.
It is also advisable to avoid driving automobiles or other dangerous equipment while using Clomid, as visual disturbances can become so severe that they interfere with normal functioning.
This is a very serious issue, and every individual engaging in Clomid use should exercise the utmost caution and understand that the risks are very significant.
During clomiphene therapy, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, spots, or flashes) may occur occasionally, especially when exposed to bright light.
These side effects usually disappear a few days or weeks after the treatment is discontinued.
However, in rare cases, vision changes may persist permanently.
If any vision problems/changes or eye pain occur, a doctor should be notified immediately.[4]
This medication may cause blurred vision, difficulty reading, or other vision changes.
It may also cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people.
If you do not feel clear-headed or cannot see well, you should check how you react to this medication before driving, using machinery, or doing anything else that could be dangerous.
If these reactions are particularly concerning, you should consult your doctor.[5][6]
Medical References
[1] Optic neuropathy associated with clomiphene citrate therapy. Lawton AW. Fertil Steril. 1994 Feb;61(2):390-1.
[2] Visual disturbances secondary to clomiphene citrate. Purvin VA. Arch Ophthalmol. 1995 Apr;113(4):482-4.
[3] In utero exposure to clomiphene and neonatal persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Bishai R, Arbour L, Lyons C, Koren G. Teratology. 1999 Sep;60(3):143-5.
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11204-Clomid.aspx?drugid=11204&drugname=Clomid
