Enclomiphene for muscle growth: Does it work?
Introduction
Testosterone plays an important role in the maintenance of lean muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution in men. For these reasons, many men use testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to increase muscle mass, lose weight, and improve their athletic performance. But TRT is generally not recommended for men with normal T levels; taking it simply to enhance your physique puts you at risk for a number of side effects, including infertility.
What about using enclomiphene for muscle growth? Enclomiphene citrate is a prescription medication that helps to restore your body’s own natural production of testosterone without compromising your fertility. Some research suggests that the medication may help you reach your fitness goals, but there are many factors to consider before using it for this purpose. Read on to find out what they are.
Key takeaways:
- Enclomiphene is a prescription medication that stimulates your body to produce more testosterone, which may lead to muscle growth.
- While TRT may lead to more noticeable muscle gains in a shorter amount of time, it can also lead to a range of side effects including testicular shrinkage, breast growth, and infertility.
- Enclomiphene should be seen as just one tool in a comprehensive plan to optimize muscle growth, however you should not expect to achieve over 15 lbs of lean muscle. Results are best in those starting with low T levels.
What does enclomiphene do?
Enclomiphene belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). While TRT uses synthetic testosterone to increase your T levels, ultimately shutting down your body’s natural production of this hormone, enclomiphene stimulates your body to make more of its own testosterone without causing dependency or impeding your fertility. It achieves this by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which tricks the body into thinking it’s not getting enough estrogen. This kickstarts the production of the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates testosterone production. It’s a solid chain reaction that can be used by most men, whether they have low testosterone or they’re curious about optimizing their T levels for a better body, more sex, and improved energy.
Can I use enclomiphene for bodybuilding?
When it comes to enclomiphene and bodybuilding, the medication does have potential to help you grow muscle, but not at the same level as taking a cycle on testosterone. Enclomiphene should be seen as just one tool in a comprehensive plan to optimize muscle growth, however you should not expect to achieve over 15 lbs of lean muscle growth.
In fact, the best chances of seeing increased muscle is if you’re starting your regimen with low T levels. However, if your T levels are within normal or higher ranges, you’ll see more benefits to your overall mood.
Studies on enclomiphene muscle growth
There is limited research when it comes to enclomiphene’s direct impact on muscle growth. But having more testosterone does translate to improved body composition, which is entirely achievable with enclomiphene.
In this 12-week study, subjects with obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism had an increase of approximately 5 lbs lean mass due to an improved hormonal profile when taking the SERM Clomid®, or clomiphene, which contains enclomiphene.
Other studies show that optimized testosterone may help to increase lean body mass and muscle growth by increasing your metabolism and helping you shed fat. SERMs like enclomiphene are also comparable to testosterone therapy in increasing energy levels and motivation, which can lead to improved physical activity. This is achieved without the effects associated with stimulants like caffeine, which can lead to an elevated heart rate, nervousness, and energy crashes
Why not just take Clomid?
The 12-week study cited above used clomiphene citrate, generic for Clomid, which contains the isomer enclomiphene. However, clomiphene is associated with a number of side effects not associated with enclomiphene, particularly mood swings. The emotional side effects of clomiphene are sometimes referred to as the “Clomid Crazies.”
One study found that 41% of subjects taking clomiphene experienced depression, and 45% experienced mood swings. Another study found that taking clomiphene led to anxiety, decreased appetite, and mood changes so severe the subject was unable to function properly at work within just five days of treatment. These effects are attributed to the ingredient zuclomiphene, which is an estrogen agonist. As an estrogen blocker, enclomiphene achieves the same testosterone-boosting effects as Clomid without the emotional fallout.
Why not go on TRT?
Though TRT is not recommended for the sole purpose of increasing muscle gains, studies have consistently shown that exogenous testosterone is effective in this regard. In this 10-week study comparing TRT to placebo in normal men, men treated with testosterone but no exercise had an increase of 3.2 kg (7 lbs) in fat-free mass, while those in the placebo-plus-exercise group had an increase of just 1.9 kg (4.1 lbs). The same study found men on TRT had significant increases in the cross-sectional areas of the triceps and the quadriceps, while these areas did not change significantly in the placebo groups, whether the men had exercised or not.
While enclomiphene and other SERMs have not produced such significant gains, they have been found to be just as effective as TRT when it comes to boosting T levels, so the potential does exist. The changes seen will not be as dramatic, but neither will the side effects. In a study comparing enclomiphene to transdermal testosterone, enclomiphene consistently increased total testosterone into the normal range and increased LH and FSH above the normal range while preserving or improving sperm count and quality. However, the study showed that transdermal testosterone raised total testosterone while suppressing serum levels of LH and FSH and impeding spermatogenesis. TRT has also been associated with testicular shrinkage, breast growth, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Beyond side effects, another reason to be wary of TRT is that the muscular responses are not always consistent. In this 2018 study, researchers observed “inconsistent FFM (fat free mass) and muscle strength responses” in double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials. Transdermal patch‐based and gel‐based TRT formulations produced “small increases” in fat free mass but did not improve muscle function in comparison with placebo and there were only “minor” improvements in muscle strength.
Enclomiphene side effects
Enclomiphene does carry side effects, but they tend to be mild and rarely lead to discontinuation of treatment. The most common observed in phase II and phase III clinical trials included:
- Headache (observed in 3.3% of patients)
- Nausea (2.1%)
- Diarrhea (1.9%)
- Common Cold (1.7%)
- Hot flush (1.7%)
- Joint pain (1.2%)
- Dizziness (1%)
Learn more about enclomiphene side effects here.
How to experience enclomiphene muscle growth
Enclomiphene citrate is only available with a prescription. This is good news, as a doctor will be able to ensure the medication is right for your needs and monitor your progress to adjust dosing if necessary.
The Maximus Testosterone Protocol sets you up with a physician consultation, at-home lab tests, an enclomiphene prescription (if you qualify), and progress tracking. You’ll also be connected to an active community of like-minded men who can share their tips on making the most of the protocol to help you achieve your fitness goals with enclomiphene.
Some reviews by Maximus Testosterone Protocol users include the following remarks:
“It is a total game changer at the gym and will help with the energy and motivation necessary to burn fat and build muscle. You can feel better within days and get a real body recomposition within months.” -Chris DeMuth Jr
“Muscle development has been very different...I've noticed new muscles in my shoulders and my chest is taking on a different shape; like a plate of armor.” -Mickler Calapini
“...it completely changed my energy levels, muscle mass and libido. My wife kinda hates it cuz its like im back in my early 20s.” -Miguel Peralta
