TRT VS ENCLOMIPHENE
Two approaches to optimizing testosterone. One replaces it. One stimulates natural production. Here's how to decide.
THE SHORT VERSION
Choose TRT if:
- • Fertility is not a concern
- • You want maximum testosterone levels
- • You're committed to long-term therapy
- • Natural production is already very low
Choose Enclomiphene if:
- • You want to preserve fertility
- • You prefer stimulating natural production
- • Your testosterone is low but not severely
- • You want to avoid testicular atrophy
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
| Factor | TRT | Enclomiphene |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Directly adds testosterone | Stimulates natural production |
| Fertility impact | Suppresses (reversible) | Preserves fertility |
| Testosterone increase | Higher, more controllable | Moderate (200-400+ pts) |
| Testicular size | May decrease | Maintained or increased |
| Administration | Injections (weekly) | Oral (daily pill) |
| Stopping therapy | Recovery period needed | Easier to discontinue |
| Best for | Max optimization, long-term | Fertility-preserving, natural |
HOW EACH WORKS
TRT (Testosterone Replacement)
TRT adds testosterone directly into your system, typically via weekly injections. This bypasses your body's natural production pathway.
When you add external testosterone, your brain detects the higher levels and stops sending signals (LH/FSH) to your testes. This means your testes stop producing testosterone and sperm.
Result: Higher, more consistent testosterone levels, but dependent on continued therapy.
Enclomiphene
Enclomiphene blocks estrogen receptors in your brain. Your brain then thinks estrogen is low and responds by increasing LH and FSH signals.
These signals tell your testes to produce more testosterone naturally. Your body's feedback loop stays intact, and sperm production continues.
Result: Increased natural testosterone production while maintaining fertility.
WHY ENCLOMIPHENE, NOT CLOMID?
You may have heard of Clomid (clomiphene citrate) for boosting testosterone. It works through the same mechanism—blocking estrogen receptors to increase LH/FSH. So why do we use Enclomiphene instead?
Clomid is a mix of two isomers: enclomiphene and zuclomiphene. Think of them as mirror-image molecules. Enclomiphene is the "good" isomer that raises testosterone. Zuclomiphene is the "bad" isomer that acts like a weak estrogen and causes most of Clomid's side effects.
Clomid (Mixed Isomers)
- • Contains both enclomiphene AND zuclomiphene
- • Zuclomiphene has estrogenic effects
- • Common side effects: mood swings, visual disturbances, emotional blunting
- • Zuclomiphene accumulates over time (long half-life)
- • Originally developed for female fertility
Enclomiphene (Pure Isomer)
- • Pure trans-isomer only—no zuclomiphene
- • No estrogenic side effects
- • Better tolerated, fewer mood issues
- • Cleaner mechanism of action
- • Designed specifically for male hypogonadism
Bottom line: Enclomiphene gives you the testosterone-boosting benefits without the estrogenic baggage. If you've tried Clomid and felt "off," experienced mood changes, or had visual symptoms—Enclomiphene is the cleaner alternative.
THE FERTILITY QUESTION
This is often the deciding factor. If you might want children in the future—or want to keep that option open—Enclomiphene is typically the better choice.
TRT doesn't permanently sterilize most men, but it does suppress sperm production while you're on it. Recovery after stopping can take 6-12+ months, and some men need additional medications (like HCG) to restart production.
If fertility is not a concern (you're done having kids, or it's not in your plans), TRT offers more control over your testosterone levels.
OUR APPROACH AT MOONSHOT
We don't push one option over the other. The right choice depends on your labs, symptoms, goals, and life circumstances.
Every patient starts with comprehensive bloodwork. We look at total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, and other markers to understand your full hormonal picture.
Some men are good candidates for Enclomiphene. Others need TRT. Some start with Enclomiphene and transition to TRT later. We guide you through the decision based on data, not ideology.
TRT Program
$235/mo
Hormone optimization program + medication
Enclomiphene Add-On
$235/mo
Can be standalone or with other protocols
COMMON QUESTIONS
Can I use both TRT and Enclomiphene together?
Not typically. Since TRT suppresses LH/FSH, Enclomiphene wouldn't have the desired effect. However, some protocols use HCG alongside TRT to maintain testicular function. We can discuss what makes sense for you.
How long does Enclomiphene take to work?
Most men see testosterone increases within 2-4 weeks. We recheck labs at 6-8 weeks to assess response and adjust if needed.
What if Enclomiphene doesn't raise my testosterone enough?
Some men are "non-responders" or don't get sufficient increases. In those cases, we may discuss transitioning to TRT or exploring other options. Your response to treatment guides next steps.
NOT SURE WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Start with labs. We'll review your results and discuss which approach makes sense for your goals.
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