TRT vs Clomid: Which Is Better for Low Testosterone?

Posted on May 12, 2025 by root

By Dr. Justin Houman, MD | Board-Certified Urologist | Men’s Hormone Health & Fertility Specialist in Los Angeles

If you’ve been diagnosed with low testosterone, you’re not alone and you’re not without options. Two of the most common treatments are TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) and Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate), but they work in very different ways. Choosing the right one depends on more than just lab numbers.

As a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained expert in men’s hormonal health and fertility, I help patients throughout Los Angeles and across the U.S. determine the best testosterone therapy approach for their age, fertility goals, and long-term wellness.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

TRT delivers bioidentical testosterone to supplement what your body isn’t producing on its own. It can be administered through:

Injections (weekly or biweekly)
Topical gels or creams
Transdermal patches
Subcutaneous pellets (long-acting)

Pros of TRT

Rapid symptom relief: improved energy, libido, mood, and muscle mass
Highly customizable dosing
Long-term safety data for properly monitored patients

Cons of TRT

Suppresses sperm production (often significantly)
May require lifelong therapy
Requires regular bloodwork and monitoring (testosterone, hematocrit, PSA, estradiol)

Best suited for: Men not actively trying to conceive or those with more severe hypogonadism.

What Is Clomid?

Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) is an oral medication that stimulates your body’s natural testosterone production by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Though FDA-approved for female fertility, it’s widely used off-label for male hypogonadism, especially when fertility preservation is a concern.

Pros of Clomid

Preserves or improves sperm production
Convenient oral pill—no injections or patches
Often effective in younger men or borderline low T cases

Cons of Clomid

May be less effective in men with primary testicular failure
Can cause mood swings or visual changes (rare)
Not FDA-approved for men, requiring expert clinical oversight

Best suited for: Men under 40, men trying to conceive, or those who prefer fertility-friendly, non-invasive treatment.

TRT vs. Clomid – At a Glance

Factor

TRT

Clomid

Fertility

Suppresses sperm production

Preserves or improves sperm

Delivery

Injections, gels, patches, pellets

Oral tablet

Onset

Fast (1–2 weeks)

Moderate (3–6 weeks)

Best For

Older men, severe low T, not trying to conceive

Younger men, fertility preservation

Monitoring

Intensive: testosterone, hematocrit, PSA

Moderate: testosterone, LH/FSH

My Personalized Approach to Low T

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all hormone protocol.

At my Los Angeles practice, every patient receives a precision-guided treatment plan that includes:

Comprehensive hormone panel (testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH, prolactin, etc.)
Fertility assessment (including semen analysis when applicable)
Lifestyle and symptom profiling
Tailored treatment: TRT, Clomid, HCG adjuncts, or combination therapies

In many cases, I’ll use Clomid or HCG alongside TRT to preserve fertility and stimulate endogenous testosterone production while optimizing overall performance and wellness.

Why Choose Dr. Justin Houman for Low Testosterone Treatment?

Patients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Century City, and nationwide choose my care because of my dedication to clinical excellence, privacy, and long-term health strategy.

My Background

Board-Certified Urologist
Fellowship-Trained in Male Reproductive and Hormonal Health (UCLA)
Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Expert in male fertility preservation, HCG/TRT hybrid therapy, and microsurgical treatments
Contributor to Men’s Health, GQ, CNET, and national wellness platforms
Medical Advisor to digital men’s health startups and national fertility clinics

Whether you’re a young professional, an executive, or an elite athlete seeking peak performance, your hormone health deserves expert-level care—not a cookie-cutter plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I start with Clomid and switch to TRT later?

Yes. Many patients start with Clomid and transition to TRT when fertility is no longer a concern or if symptom relief is insufficient.

Q: Can I take Clomid and TRT together?

In select cases, yes. I often prescribe Clomid or HCG alongside TRT to maintain testicular function or sperm production.

Q: Will Clomid work if I have very low testosterone?

Possibly. But for men with primary hypogonadism or non-functional testes, TRT is typically more effective.

Q: How fast will I feel better on Clomid or TRT?

TRT usually works within 1 to 2 weeks. Clomid may take 3 to 6 weeks to build testosterone levels gradually.

Final Thoughts: TRT and Clomid Are Tools—Not a One-Size-Fits-All Answer

There’s no universal “best” testosterone treatment—it’s about what’s best for you.

As one of the most trusted names in men’s hormone health in Los Angeles, I’m here to help you feel better, think clearer, perform stronger, and take control of your long-term health—starting with a targeted testosterone strategy.

Schedule a Private Consultation with Dr. Justin Houman

In-office and telehealth appointments available
Serving patients across Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and nationwide
Confidential, judgment-free men’s hormone care
On-site labs, same-day results, and tailored protocols