CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

What Is the Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test?

What can I expect in the clomiphene citrate challenge test?
save article
profile picture of John Rinehart, MD, PhD, Reproductive Medicine Institute, Chicago
Updated February 28, 2017
Hero Image

Though not as widely used anymore, the clomiphene citrate challenge test is designed to help evaluate your ovarian reserve, or the quality of your eggs. If you do have the test, your doctor will instruct you to take a dose of the medication  Clomid (or as it’s known by its generic name, clomiphene citrate), which helps induce ovulation. You’ll have your blood drawn on day 3 of your cycle to measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (a type of estrogen). Then you’ll take the medication on days 5 through 9. Blood is drawn again on day 10 to measure the same hormones. If your levels are low, that’s a good indication that you have a normal ovarian reserve. If the FSH is still high on day 10, it’s a sign that you may have low ovarian reserve. Note that the test itself isn’t a highly accurate way to predict whether you will get pregnant. It’s more an indicator of whether you may have a problem, and if so, what type of treatment may prove the most helpful.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Trouble Trying to Conceive

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

An employee at the clinic Eugin prepares a sample of sperm and an egg for the process of fertilization under the microscope on May 25, 2016 in Barcelona
The Future of IVG: What Is in Vitro Gametogenesis?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
young woman talking to gynecologist in exam room
What Happens at a Preconception Appointment?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
young woman meeting with her doctor
Preconception 101: How to Prepare for Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother holding baby boy wearing blue hat
Is the Shettles Method Legit?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Best Basal Thermometers
Track Your Fertility Naturally With a Basal Thermometer
By Martina Garvey
woman sits on toilet in bathroom
How to Check Your Cervical Mucus to See if You’re Ovulating
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
LGBTQ dads reading to daughters at home
9 Organizations That Support LGBTQ+ Families
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
bride and groom sitting at wedding table talking to friends
Vanessa Lachey's Love Is Blind Baby Comments Spark Discussion
By Wyndi Kappes
super close up of paris hilton at red carpet event in april 2022
Paris Hilton on Her 2003 Abortion & Starting a Family on Her Own Terms
By Wyndi Kappes
illustrated hands holding a thermometer
The Hot and Cold of Conception: Basal Body Temperature
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
flower art of uterus
Ovulation Symptoms: 9 Signs of Ovulation
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Adrienne Eliza Houghton attends as Glamour celebrates the 2022 Women of the Year Awards on November 01, 2022 in New York City
Adrienne Bailon Talks Dreams of Baby No. 2 After Surrogacy Journey
By Wyndi Kappes
hand in medical glove opening liquid nitrogen tank where eggs are frozen
Freezing More Eggs, Younger, Could Up Chances for Baby by 31 Percent
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of couple holding hands while sitting on couch
Carter’s and Inception Fertility Are Giving Away a Free Fertility Package
By Wyndi Kappes
Deepica Mutyala smiling headshot
Deepica Mutyala on Taking Control of Her Reproductive Timeline
By Nehal Aggarwal
newborn baby in hospital bassinet
The Baby Blip: America’s Birth Rate Is Up for the First Time Since 2014
By Wyndi Kappes
unrecognizable employee at sperm bank arranging sperm samples
What to Know About the Lack of Diversity in Sperm and Egg Donors
By Nicole Yoder, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Best of Pregnancy Book: Nurture A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Motherhood
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Book
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy Pregnancy Test: First Response Pregnancy Test
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Test
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy Reader's Favorite: Modern Fertility Ovulation Test
Best of Pregnancy Winner: Reader’s Favorite Ovulation Test
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List