Get Started
Complete the short form belowto Contact a Nexel Medical physician
When it comes to treating low testosterone, men have options. Which is better, traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or a relatively new treatment, oral Clomid?
For men with low testosterone, both TRT and Clomid (Clomiphene) can be effective treatment options, but they work quite differently and have varying considerations. TRT directly replaces testosterone, while Clomid stimulates the body to produce more of its own testosterone. The best choice depends on individual factors like age, fertility goals, and symptom severity. However, if you are over 40 and have been diagnosed with low testosterone, traditional TRT via testosterone injections is probably the better choice.
Let’s take a deeper dive into TRT vs Clomid therapy, their relative benefits and adverse side effects and examine which treatment option is right for you.
Both TRT and Clomid can be effective medications in treating low testosterone in men. However, a recent study indicates that TRT is more effective in raising serum testosterone levels and improving most of the debilitating symptoms of hypogonadism (low T) in males. The study concluded that Clomid remains a viable treatment for younger men who may need somewhat of a testosterone boost, but it merits further study before it can be considered a comparable treatment for older men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy – Traditional TRT delivers synthetic testosterone—often via weekly injections—directly into the bloodstream. It’s a direct hormone replacement method designed to raise serum testosterone rapidly yet safely.
Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) Clomid or “CC” is an oral tablet in the SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) family. Instead of providing testosterone directly, it works by tricking the brain into releasing more Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating your own body to increase testosterone production and release. Keep in mind that this class of medications was developed for and mainly used to increase fertility in women wishing to become pregnant. It has only been more recently used to raise testosterone in men, but it is not approved as a treatment for low testosterone in males.
Common symptoms associated with low testosterone in men include:
If you are a man between the ages of 40 and 65 and are experiencing some or all of the above, there is a good chance that you may have lower than normal testosterone levels and could benefit from low testosterone treatment. However, any treatment recommendations must be based on a medical evaluation, blood work and lab results.
TRT:
Clomid:
While both testosterone therapy and Clomid are used to address low testosterone, they come with very different side effect profiles and long-term considerations.
TRT is generally well tolerated but does require careful medical supervision. One of the primary concerns with TRT is its effect on fertility. Because the body senses an external source of testosterone, it can reduce or shut down natural production, leading to decreased sperm production. This makes TRT less ideal for men who are planning to have children. Other potential side effects of TRT include acne or oily skin, increased red blood cell count (polycythemia), and, in some cases, swelling in the ankles or mild breast tenderness. There’s also an ongoing discussion in the medical community regarding the potential impact of long-term TRT on cardiovascular health and prostate enlargement—though recent studies show that, with proper oversight, these risks are minimal for most patients.
Clomid, on the other hand, does not suppress natural testosterone production—in fact, it stimulates it—which is why it’s often favored for younger men or those concerned about fertility. However, Clomid isn’t completely side-effect-free. Some men experience mood swings, irritability, or mild depression while taking it. Others report visual disturbances, fluid retention, hot flashes, or headaches. While these side effects are usually less pronounced than those sometimes seen with TRT, Clomid’s effects on testosterone levels are often inconsistent—some men respond well, while others see little improvement.
Ultimately, while Clomid may offer a lighter touch with fewer hormonal shifts, TRT tends to deliver more consistent, impactful results—especially for men with significantly low testosterone levels. The key to safe and effective treatment with either option is proper diagnosis, lab monitoring, and ongoing medical supervision.
The consensus of most of the current medical research is that TRT is much more effective in restoring hormone balance in males with low T than Clomid and related drugs.
The “better” treatment option depends on your presenting symptoms and treatment goals. While Clomid may provide a testosterone boost, it is not indicated as an actual treatment for men diagnosed with hypogonadism or “low testosterone.”
Clomid may be a fit for:
But TRT via injections is usually the stronger option for most—particularly for men over 40 or individuals with clearly low serum testosterone who aren’t concerned with fertility. TRT may not be suitable for men with a history of prostate cancer or blood clots.
It’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of both TRT and Clomid with a healthcare professional specializing in men’s health, like those at Nexel Medical. We can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual health profile, lifestyle, and goals.
For men diagnosed with hypogonadism—especially thosewith clinically low testosterone levels—Testosterone Therapy provides faster, more reliable results, significantly enhancing quality of life. Though it requires ongoing treatment and monitoring (e.g., blood checks, hematocrit, prostate health), its efficacy far outweighs the modest convenience of Clomid for the typical patient.
For most men, especially older men with lab-confirmed deficiencies, Nexel Medical recommends Testosterone Replacement Therapy as the superior, more effective long-term treatment. At Nexel we are recognized experts in men’s hormone health. We pride ourselves on our commitment to patient-centered care and we will only prescribe hormonal treatments that best suit your symptoms, goals and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Clomid can serve a purpose—but its inconsistent efficacy and slower onset make it a secondary option. For overwhelming symptom relief, consistent hormone levels, and improved overall wellness, TRT injections remain the gold standard. Nexel Medical stands by TRT for the majority of men with genuine low-T—helping restore vitality and performance in body and mind.
Now that you know more about men’s hormone health, Clomid vs TRT, why not Contact Us today and learn more about hormone optimization and men’s health?
Complete The Short Form Below To Contact a Nexel Medical Physician
