What Happens When You Stop Taking Enclomiphene?

Published on July 23, 2025

Enclomiphene has become a widely used medication among men seeking to boost natural testosterone production without shutting down the body’s own hormonal feedback loop. However, many patients eventually consider stopping treatment, either due to symptom resolution, personal choice, or after consulting with their healthcare provider.

If you're wondering what happens when you stop taking enclomiphene, it’s important to understand how enclomiphene works and what the body undergoes once the medication is withdrawn. This article explores the biological effects, potential symptoms, and clinical considerations associated with discontinuing enclomiphene.

What Is Enclomiphene?

Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), derived from clomiphene citrate, but purified to only include the enclomiphene isomer. Unlike traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), enclomiphene stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which in turn promote endogenous testosterone production.

This mechanism allows enclomiphene to support fertility and maintain testicular volume—two areas where traditional TRT often falls short.

For more detailed clinical information, the mechanism of action is outlined in this publication from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What Happens When You Stop Taking Enclomiphene?

When enclomiphene is discontinued, the body may go through several changes, depending on how long the drug was used, the individual’s baseline hormone levels, and other health factors.

1. Testosterone Levels May Decline

Because enclomiphene stimulates the brain to produce LH and FSH, stopping the drug often results in a reduction of these signals. That means testosterone production may begin to drop—sometimes gradually, sometimes more noticeably. Here's what that might look like over a six-week period:

• Week 0 (Last Dose)
  • Total testosterone: ~750 ng/dL
  • LH: ~9.0 mIU/mL
  • Symptoms: Normal energy, libido, and focus
• Week 2
  • Total testosterone: ~500 ng/dL
  • LH: ~5.0 mIU/mL
  • Possible symptoms: Mild fatigue, slightly lower motivation
• Week 4
  • Total testosterone: ~350 ng/dL
  • LH: ~2.5 mIU/mL
  • Possible symptoms: Noticeable drop in libido, brain fog, irritability
• Week 6
  • Total testosterone: ~280 ng/dL
  • LH: ~1.8 mIU/mL
  • Possible symptoms: Low mood, reduced stamina, mental fatigue

These numbers are estimates based on typical patterns and should not replace lab testing or physician guidance.

2. LH and FSH Drop Off

Since enclomiphene acts at the hypothalamus to stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers LH and FSH release, removing it may cause a temporary suppression of those signals. The degree of suppression varies and may recover in weeks—or persist longer in men with pre-existing secondary hypogonadism.

3. Symptoms of Low Testosterone May Reappear

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Decreased libido
• Mood changes
• Reduced muscle strength
• Lower motivation

Some men may feel a gradual return of these symptoms, while others may experience a rebound effect more sharply.

4. Fertility Impact May Vary

One advantage of enclomiphene is that it usually preserves or improves fertility, unlike TRT, which suppresses sperm production. However, if the drug is discontinued and testosterone levels decline, sperm parameters may also worsen over time, particularly in men who are already borderline.

Should You Taper or Stop Cold Turkey?

Unlike some medications, enclomiphene does not require tapering in most cases. However, decisions should be made under medical supervision, particularly if you’ve been on the medication for more than a few months. A post-treatment hormone panel (usually 2–4 weeks after stopping) can help guide the next steps.

Alternatives After Stopping Enclomiphene

If symptoms of low testosterone return and your levels fall again, your provider may consider:

• Restarting enclomiphene
• Switching to TRT (if fertility is no longer a concern)
• Exploring other treatments like hCG monotherapy
• Investigating root causes: sleep apnea, obesity, metabolic issues, etc.

For more on male fertility–preserving hormone therapies, see this clinical review on enclomiphene’s mechanism, efficacy, and safety published by News-Medical.net, a trusted medical information source.

Key Takeaways

• Enclomiphene helps maintain natural testosterone production without testicular suppression.
• When stopping enclomiphene, testosterone levels and fertility may decline, depending on individual factors.
• Some men experience a return of low testosterone symptoms within weeks.
• Always consult with a hormone specialist before stopping or switching therapies.

FAQs: What Happens When You Stop Taking Enclomiphene

Will my testosterone stay high after stopping enclomiphene?

Not usually. Testosterone levels often begin to decline within 1–4 weeks after stopping, particularly if the underlying issue (e.g., secondary hypogonadism) remains.

Can I stop enclomiphene on my own?

While it is not physiologically dangerous to stop enclomiphene cold turkey, it’s best to do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can monitor your hormone levels and symptoms.

How long do enclomiphene’s effects last after stopping?

This varies. Some men may feel fine for several weeks; others experience a rapid drop-off in energy and libido within 7–14 days. Lab testing is the only way to confirm hormone status.

Does stopping enclomiphene affect fertility?

It can. While enclomiphene usually improves sperm production, ceasing the medication may lead to reduced sperm count and motility, especially if testosterone levels drop.

Is there a rebound effect?

Some men report a mild rebound in estrogen symptoms (like mood swings or fatigue) but enclomiphene itself doesn’t cause significant withdrawal.

If you're currently using enclomiphene or considering stopping, the best course of action is to speak with a licensed provider who understands your hormonal profile and long-term goals.

Looking for a consultation with a TRT-specialized provider? AlphaMD offers evidence-based, personalized care for men navigating low testosterone and hormonal optimization.