Enclomiphene Side Effects Explained: Risks, Symptoms, and What to Expect

If you are experiencing low testosterone, you might have come across enclomiphene. Men dealing with testosterone deficiency, especially those who want to protect fertility and maintain healthy serum testosterone levels, may be familiar with enclomiphene citrate.

What is enclomiphene, and how does it differ from traditional testosterone therapy? What side effects might pop up, and how can you manage them if they do? In this article, we will explain how enclomiphene works, the potential side effects of enclomiphene to be aware of, and how to manage them.

Key Takeaways

• Enclomiphene supports normal testosterone levels. Unlike traditional TRT, it encourages your body to produce testosterone levels naturally. This makes it a better option for men who want to maintain fertility.
• Common side effects are generally mild. Some users may experience hot flashes, mood swings, or visual disturbances, but these symptoms are typically short-lived.
• More serious risks are rare. Reports have been made of blood clots or liver enzyme changes. These adverse effects tend to occur infrequently, especially when the medication is monitored by a doctor.
• Oral delivery makes it more convenient. Many men prefer enclomiphene because it’s a pill, not an injection or gel.
• Lifestyle still matters. Healthy habits can improve results and support long-term hormonal health.
• It’s not yet FDA-approved. However, some doctors can prescribe it through compounding pharmacies, and it’s already in use in other countries.
  

What Is Enclomiphene?

Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), derived from clomiphene citrate, and used to treat testosterone deficiency. It sends signals to the brain to boost natural testosterone production. It does this by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.

When this happens, the pituitary gland receives the signal to release more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

LH and FSH instruct the testes to create more testosterone. This balance is necessary for the body to maintain healthy testosterone levels.

What is the Difference Between Enclomiphene and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

An accessible way to think of enclomiphene is as an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Essentially, it's a gentler way to address low testosterone.

Unlike traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), enclomiphene doesn’t override your body’s ability to make its own testosterone. That’s a big win for men who are also trying to maintain fertility.

To help compare your options, explore both the benefits of testosterone and the side effects of testosterone before deciding.

How Enclomiphene Influences Hormone Levels

Doctors often turn to enclomiphene for men who have secondary hypogonadism. Secondary hypogonadism is diagnosed when testosterone levels are low, not because the testes aren’t working, but because the signals that tell them what to do are switched off.

Men experiencing decreased libido, trouble with erections, fatigue, or fertility issues may get symptomatic relief from enclomiphene.

Enclomiphene Side Effects You Might Notice

Understanding the possible side effects of using enclomiphene for testosterone treatment can help you to make an informed decision about how to treat the low testosterone levels associated with hypogonadism.

Most men handle enclomiphene well, but a few adverse events have been reported. These include:

• Brief hot flashes
• Occasional mood swings
• Some visual disturbances (like light sensitivity or blurred vision)

These tend to be minor and temporary.

More Serious Adverse Effects of Enclomiphene

Enclomiphene can cause a few more serious issues, like blood clots or changes in liver enzymes related to liver disease. However, these serious side effects are uncommon, especially when the medication is taken under medical supervision.

While enclomiphene is prescribed for men, women who come into contact with it, especially those of childbearing age, could theoretically experience hormonal side effects. Enclomiphene is not FDA-approved for use in women as there is insufficient data on its safety and efficacy. It can upset hormonal balance, which may result in ovarian cysts, irregular menstruation, and decreased fertility.

How is Enclomiphene Citrate Different from Traditional Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is effective for men with low testosterone, but it comes with some risks.

If you introduce synthetic or exogenous testosterone, it can decrease your body's natural testosterone production. This can lead to a drop in sperm count and long-term reliance on testosterone therapy when anabolic levels of testosterone are used without medical supervision.

In comparison, oral enclomiphene citrate stimulates your body to do what it is supposed to do: produce sufficient levels of testosterone naturally.

Another advantage worth mentioning is that enclomiphene is a pill. Men who dislike testosterone gel, injections, and creams find the oral formulation much more convenient.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

Medication can help, but it can’t do all the work on its own. If you’re not eating well or sleeping enough, any treatment will be less effective.

To address testosterone deficiency and create an environment for healthy testosterone supplementation and hormone levels, you may need to make changes. These lifestyle changes include following a healthy diet, maintaining an active lifestyle (and possibly losing weight), getting adequate sleep, and consuming less alcohol.

Enclomiphene works best when you meet it halfway.

Is Enclomiphene Therapy Accessible?

While it’s shown promising results in research, the FDA hasn’t given enclomiphene citrate the green light for treating male hypogonadism just yet, partly due to the increased risk of side effects.

Still, doctors can prescribe it through compounding pharmacies, and some international health authorities already allow its use. More research is needed, but the early signs are encouraging.

What Happens If You Stop Enclomiphene Treatment?

If you plan to stop taking enclomiphene citrate, you must speak to your doctor first. You should follow a tapering schedule so that your testosterone levels do not drop too quickly. Weaning off testosterone therapy gradually gives your body a chance to adjust.

References

• Patel, A. S., Leong, J. Y., Ramos, L., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). Enclomiphene citrate: A treatment option for secondary male hypogonadism and infertility. Translational Andrology and Urology, 8(Suppl 1), S14–S20.
• Wiehle, R. D., Fontenot, G. K., Wike, J., Guptill, D. R., & Kaminetsky, J. C. (2014). Enclomiphene citrate stimulates testosterone production while preventing oligospermia: Comparison with testosterone replacement therapy. The Aging Male, 17(3), 144–153.
• Hsieh, T. C., Pastuszak, A. W., Hwang, K., Lipshultz, L. I. (2013). Restoration of spermatogenesis and hormonal balance using enclomiphene citrate in hypogonadal men. The Journal of Urology, 189(4), 1500–1506.
• Enclomiphene – Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects. Drugs.com. 
• Enclomiphene Citrate: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Evidence. Medscape.
• Winters, S. J. (2016). Current status of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Archives of Internal Medicine, 176(10), 1450–1458.
• Hellstrom, W. J. G., & Sikka, S. C. (2009). Testosterone and male infertility. Urologic Clinics of North America, 36(2), 303–318.