Generally, when low testosterone is diagnosed, testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed. It commonly comes in the form of cream, gel, pellet, patch, and injection. While these therapies are effective, there are known side-effects such as testicular shrinkage, prostate enlargement, breast enlargement, low sperm count/sterility, and overproduction of red blood cells. Given the side effect of sterility, testosterone replacement is not the ideal option for men who want to have children. I feel a better option to consider is the use of clomiphene citrate (Clomid).
Clomiphene citrate is a prescription medication originally used to treat infertility in women. It works by stimulating an increase in the amount of hormones (FSH and LH) that support the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). These are the same hormones that increase testosterone, sperm production, and fertility in men.
In a healthy male the pituitary releases LH, the hormone which signals the testes to produce testosterone. After testosterone is produced, some of it is converted to estrogen. Estrogen then signals the pituitary to stop making LH. This is known as a feedback mechanism, where the body communicates with the brain when there is a need for hormone production. With traditional testosterone replacement, the brain gets the message that there is plenty of testosterone being made in the testes. The pituitary stops producing LH and subsequently the natural production of testosterone stops, which leads to the common side effects of testicular shrinkage, low sperm count, and infertility.
Clomiphene citrate on the other hand does not turn off the production of testosterone, it rather stimulates the body’s natural production of it by increasing LH, the hormone responsible for testosterone production. It comes in a pill form and is safe to use with minimal side effects. Some men may require continuous use of clomiphene citrate while others may need it only for 3-6months.
At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness, we offer our patients Clomid therapy for low testosterone. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
