Clomid is also known as clomiphene citrate. It’s an oral medication that is often used to treat certain types of female infertility.

Clomid works by making the body think that your estrogen levels are lower than they are, which causes the pituitary gland to increase secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, and luteinizing hormone, or LH. Higher levels of FSH stimulate the ovary to produce an egg follicle, or multiple follicles, that will develop and be released during ovulation. High levels of LH stimulate ovulation.

Clomid is often prescribed by primary care physicians or OB-GYNs before they refer a couple to see a fertility specialist for more specialized care. Some reproductive specialists prescribe Clomid as well.

Clomid is a 50-milligram pill that is usually taken for five days in a row at the beginning of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Day three, four, or five is typical for a Clomid start date.

Doctors will usually prescribe one, two, three, or sometimes four pills to be taken at the same time each day, depending on how they think you will respond to the medicine. It’s common to start at the lowest dose and increase each month as needed.