Enclomiphene vs TRT: Everything You Need To Know

If you have done any research about increasing your testosterone levels, you will have probably come across a compound called “Enclomiphene.” 

Enclomiphene is a nonsteroid estrogen receptor modulator that can raise total testosterone levels while maintaining a normal sperm count. 

In other words, instead of replacing your testosterone, enclomiphene acts as a messenger to your body, signaling to your body to produce more testosterone naturally.

Enclomiphene has shown promise as being a possible alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. In this article, we will go over the ins and outs of enclomiphene and compare it to testosterone replacement therapy, helping you decide which is right for you!

An Image Depicting Enclomiphene

How Does Enclomiphene Work?

Enclomiphene is a medication that primarily modulates the estrogen receptor.

When enclomiphene takes up these spots, estrogen is blocked from attaching there. This changes the body's hormone balance, making it behave as if there's less estrogen around.

In more detail, enclomiphene interferes with the usual communication between the brain (specifically a part called the pituitary gland) and the gonads (ovaries in women, testes in men), which are all part of a system that controls hormone levels. 

When enclomiphene interferes, the pituitary gland sends out more of a hormone named gonadotropin. This hormone then tells the gonads to produce more of another hormone called testosterone. 

So, through a chain of signals, enclomiphene leads to an increase in testosterone production, which can be useful in treating some medical issues like infertility.

Testosterone

How Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Work?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment used to replenish low levels of testosterone in the body. Initially, a doctor determines through blood tests if an individual's testosterone levels are indeed low. If so, they may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to help bring these hormone levels back to a more normal range. The prescription can come in various forms including injections, patches, gels, or pellets. When administered, these treatments release testosterone into the body, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Whether it's through direct injections into the muscle, patches or gels applied to the skin, or pellets implanted under the skin, the objective is to restore testosterone levels to alleviate symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, and muscle weakness associated with low testosterone.

Testosterone Vs Enclomiphene

Which Is More Effective At Treating Low Testosterone?

Enclomiphene and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) both serve as effective treatments for men with low testosterone levels, although they operate differently. 

Enclomiphene stimulates the body to produce natural testosterone and has been shown to be as effective as TRT in increasing testosterone levels in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Notably, enclomiphene has an advantage in preserving sperm counts, making it a favorable option for men looking to maintain fertility. Additionally, enclomiphene is administered orally, which might be preferred by individuals who wish to avoid injections or topical treatments.

On the other hand, TRT provides the body with external testosterone and is a common treatment for low testosterone, known for reversing symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. 

Additionally, the studies done on enclomiphene showed only modest increases in testosterone with participants maintaining levels of 400ng/dl (this is the middle reference point for natural testosterone levels). For those looking to optimize testosterone and push their levels towards the upper end of the reference range, TRT may be a more appropriate solution.

Both treatments come with their own set of side effects and potential drug interactions, with enclomiphene noted for having moderate interactions with at least 71 medications. The choice between the two treatments would largely depend on individual circumstances such as the underlying cause of low testosterone, desire to maintain fertility, and preference for the method of administration.

It should be noted that at this time, enclomiphene is not approved by the FDA for use in treating low testosterone in men and is only approved for the treatment of infertility in women. However, it is still available through “off-label” prescriptions, a common practice utilized by many doctors. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Enclomiphene?

Enclomiphene is generally well-tolerated with few adverse effects, although not all side effects have been directly studied. Here are some reported side effects from various sources:

Common Side Effects:

  • Increased libido
  • Acne
  • A temper if levels get too high​​.
  • Hot flushes
  • Mood swings
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain​​
  • Elevated estradiol levels
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort​

What Are The Side Effects Of TRT?

The side effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can include:

  • Sleep apnea.
  • Acne, oily skin, or other skin reactions.
  • Stimulation of prostate tissue, potentially leading to an increased risk of prostate issues.
  • Enlargement of breasts (gynecomastia).
  • Testicular atrophy and infertility (due to suppression of sperm production).
  • Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia), which could increase the risk of clotting.
  • Aggression, mood swings, or other mood changes.

Takeaway

Both enclomiphene and TRT are valid treatments for low testosterone. Deciding which one is right for you comes down to a personal question of what your goals are.

If you are someone who is looking to bring your testosterone levels up to baseline and do not want to deal with the long-term commitment related to taking testosterone. Enclomiphene might be the right option for you.

On the other hand, if you are someone who is looking to increase muscle mass, lose weight and really take advantage of having higher-than-normal testosterone levels, TRT could be the right option for you. 

However, you should never make a decision about your health based on something you saw on the internet. If you are serious about making a change and want to find out what the best option is for you, talk to one of the medical professionals and Empower Men’s Clinic. 

We have the experience and knowledge to help guide you on your health journey. Reach out to us today at (443) 334-5367 or submit a contact form here.

Related Post