Dual effect of clomiphene citrate on pituitary gonadotropin secretion in postmenopausal women

Fifteen postmenopusal women were given 25 mg, 50 mg of clomiphene citrate daily by mouth for 3 consecutive days. Significant (p less than 0.01)decrease of serum LH (73%, 65%) and FSH (76%, 76%) resulted after administration of 25 mg and 50 mg clomiphene citrate respectively. The suppressive effect was sustained for at least 4 days after cessation of this drug. On other hand decreased LH and FSH levels after administration of ethinyl estradiol increased again by simultaneous administration of clomiphene citrate. These results suggest deficient subjects but anti-estrogenic effects are evident when serum estrogen levels are restored in subjects with estrogen deficiency.