When it comes to HRT vs TRT, there are a lot of things that people don’t know.
For example, HRT and TRT are technically the same types of therapy, but they have different use cases.
TRT or testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed for men with hormonal imbalance issues versus HRT or hormone replacement therapy for women.
Nowadays, testosterone replacement therapies have been renamed or referred to by the transgender community as HRT concerning gender-affirming treatments.
Lindy Health will break down the different types of HRT and where taking TRT vs another HRT is the best option.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) for Woman
As women age, their bodies begin to produce fewer hormones.
Imbalanced hormones can result in several problems, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse
- Mood swings and irritability
HRT can help alleviate these symptoms by replacing the hormones your body is no longer producing due to aging.
What does HRT do to a woman?
HRT will help bring a woman’s hormones back into the normal reference range.
It will also help with any menopausal symptoms that a woman may experience.
HRT allows many women to live better lives by balancing their hormones and decreasing the risk of heart disease and other age-related illnesses.
Types of HRT
There are several ways doctors will prescribe HRT and methods of ingesting the therapy.
Your doctor will work with you to find the best type of HRT for your individual needs.
There are different types of HRT available, including:
- Oral HRT
- Injectable HRT
- Transdermal HRT
- Vaginal HRT
Signs of Woman Needing HRT
The signs indicating that a woman may benefit from Hormone Replacement Therapy are sometimes trickier than you might first imagine.
This is because other conditions can also cause the symptoms of HRT deficiency.
Some of the common signs that a woman may need HRT are:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Moodiness or irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Low libido
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Insomnia
The only sure way to know if hormone issues are going on is to request a full blood panel test from your doctor.
Complete blood work will give you the most accurate idea of your hormone levels and if HRT is right for you.
TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) for Men
Hormone replacement therapy in men, also known as testosterone replacement therapy, is a treatment used to address issues caused by a man’s declining testosterone.
TRT for men can significantly improve their overall health, motivation, fitness, and mental well-being.
There are many ways a man can get prescribed, including from their doctor, a local TRT clinic, or even an online TRT therapy clinic.
What does TRT do to a man?
Testosterone replacement therapy will cause many changes, most optimistic with a few possible negatives depending on genetics.
Some of the changes that may occur from TRT are:
- Increased libido
- More energy
- Increased motivation
- Improved fitness
- Better sleep quality
- Stronger bones
- Lower body fat percentage
- Greater muscle mass and strength
If you are a man and think you might need TRT, it is best to consult with your doctor.
Types of TRT
There are several treatment types, and the differences between HRT vs TRT treatment options are minimal.
The most common types of TRT are gels, injections, and patches.
Gels: Applying a daily gel to the skin is often the simplest form of testosterone replacement therapy. The gel is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, which immediately goes to work.
Injections: Testosterone injections are given intramuscularly (into the muscle). They are usually given every one to two weeks, depending on the dose. You can adjust the frequency of TRT injections but should always consult with your primary care physician first.
Patches: Androderm is a skin patch that delivers testosterone through the skin and into the bloodstream. The patch is applied once a day, usually before bedtime.
Signs of Men Needing TRT
Men’s testosterone tends to start lowering once reaching the age of 30 years old.
The decrease is usually minimal and gradual, but for some men, the decline can be more significant.
Signs that a man may need TRT are:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Moodiness or irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Low libido
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Insomnia
TRT vs Steroids
TRT is often confused with anabolic steroids, but there is one key difference between the two.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. The same is true for TRT, as it is technically an artificial testosterone replacement.
Steroids are taken for their performance-enhancing and often superphysiological effects. Th difference between TRT vs steroids is the dosage. TRT is taken in amounts only required to bring a male back to the normal testosterone reference range.
They can both promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and have significant androgenic effects on males.
Steroids in larger quantities can shut down certain organ functions and cause the user long-term health issues.
When used correctly, TRT is much safer for long-term use with little to no adverse side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HRT do to a man?
If a man were to take HRT, they might experience changes such as increased libido, more energy, increased motivation, improved fitness, better sleep quality, stronger bones, and lower body fat percentage. HRT can also cause a man to have greater muscle mass and strength.
Is testosterone the same as HRT?
Yes, testosterone is simply the course of treatment given to a man vs a woman or transexual.
Do bodybuilders use TRT?
Yes, the majority of professional bodybuilders are on some form of TRT.
What is the success rate of TRT?
The success rate of TRT is very high as long as you follow your treatment plan and consult a physician.
What is HRT for bodybuilding?
HRT for bodybuilding allows for shorter recovery times and a more effortless ability to add lean muscle mass vs those with less testosterone in their system.
Does HRT make you look younger?
In many ways, HRT can make you look younger. HRT can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, increase collagen production and thicken hair. Although for some men, it can have the effect of hair loss by converting excess testosterone into DHT, the compound that thins hair.
Does HRT cause weight gain?
HRT can sometimes cause weight gain, but that is only due to the increase in appetite it can cause. If you maintain a good diet and moderate exercise, HRT and weight gain should not be an issue.
Does TRT shorten your life?
No, TRT has been shown to increase life expectancy.
Does HRT make you taller?
HRT will not make you taller, but it can help increase your bones’ density, which could lead to fewer injuries.
Does TRT get you ripped?
Alone, TRT will not make you ripped. As previously stated, it can help produce lean muscle mass and allow you to hit the gym more often as recovery time becomes shorter.
Is TRT covered by insurance?
TRT is often covered by insurance. However, if you are using an online TRT clinic, they do not accept insurance due to specific FDA regulations.
Conclusion
TRT is a great way to increase your quality of life as you age. HRT can also have many benefits for a woman experiencing age-related health issues.
Suppose you are experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone or hormonal problems. In that case, it is essential to consult your physician to see if TRT/HRT suits you.
Both HRT and TRT can help you if you are experiencing any of the discussed symptoms related to hormone imbalance.
Have you been prescribed TRT or HRT? How did it work for you?
Let us know in the comments below!
A self-proclaimed foodie, Tess loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.
When she's not cooking up a storm, Tess enjoys hiking and skiing in the beautiful Colorado mountains.
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