Common Side Effects of Clomid: What to Expect and How to Manage Them
Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD — Written by dr. Emily Johnson — Updated on Nov 11, 2025
Navigating Emotional Changes During Treatment
Clomid often triggers mood swings and emotional ups and downs. Many women report feeling irritability, anxiety, or even bouts of sadness, which can be unsettling if unexpected. Roughly 25-30% of patients experience mood changes significant enough to notice.
Some describe it as feeling like a rollercoaster at times, with emotions quickly shifting from calm to intense. These changes stem from the hormonal fluctuations induced by Clomid and are usually temporary.
Keeping a journal of moods, talking openly with your partner and healthcare provider, and considering stress-relief techniques like mindfulness or gentle exercise can help navigate these emotional waves.
Remember, your feelings are valid, and this phase is often temporary as your body adjusts.
Support groups and counseling can also provide a safe space to share and receive encouragement.
Physical Side Effects You Might Notice
Hot flashes are a hallmark side effect, affecting about 10% of those taking Clomid. You might feel sudden heat waves, sweating, or flushing, resembling menopause symptoms but time-limited to treatment intervals.
Bloating and abdominal discomfort are also common. These feelings of fullness or soreness happen because of ovarian stimulation and typically fade after treatment ends.
Headaches and breast tenderness may accompany these symptoms, varying in severity. Drinking plenty of water, wearing loose clothing, and pacing physical activity can soothe symptoms.
Less common but important are visual changes—blurred vision, spots, or flashes—which occur in approximately 1.5% of cases. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must contact your doctor immediately, as they can indicate more serious problems.
Potential Serious Side Effects and Risks
While serious complications are rare, they are critical to understand. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) can develop if the ovaries are overstimulated, causing painful swelling and fluid leakage. Symptoms include rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
The risk of OHSS is about 0.1%, much lower than with some other fertility treatments, but it requires prompt medical care when diagnosed.
Long-term use of Clomid beyond six cycles may slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer, so doctors limit treatment duration accordingly.
In rare instances, allergic reactions or pancreatitis have been reported; early medical intervention is crucial.
Tips to Help Manage Side Effects
- Stay hydrated throughout your treatment, especially if experiencing hot flashes or bloating.
- Wear breathable, loose clothing to ease discomfort from temperature fluctuations.
- Track your symptoms and share them with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment if needed.
- Engage in mild exercise or relaxation methods to reduce emotional stress.
- Never ignore changes in vision or severe abdominal pain; seek urgent medical advice.