Did you know that your hormones are in charge of more than your secondary sex characteristics? Hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and insulin are responsible for keeping several of your bodily systems going.
When you go through a period of imbalance, it can throw your entire self off. Sometimes the only way to get things back to normal is with hormone therapy.
When weighing your treatment options, you’ll hear the terms HRT and TRT used quite a bit.
TRT Vs. HRT. What’s the difference between the two, and which one is better suited for your situation? Continue reading to find out.
What Is HRT?
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is a treatment that’s used to get a person’s hormone levels in a healthy range.
As hormones have a large role to play in a person’s overall health, this treatment can be life-changing for some people. It can provide relief for menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, reduced sex drive, and mood swings.
There are many different types of HRT. For example, if a person’s had their uterus and ovaries removed, their doctor may prescribe estrogen-only therapy because they don’t need progesterone.
HRT doesn’t come without its risks, however. A person taking HRT tablets will have a higher chance of developing blood clots. Once you go on HRT, you’ll need to schedule regular breast cancer screenings as well.
What Is TRT?
TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is a hormone replacement therapy that’s specifically geared toward building testosterone.
It’s used to treat symptoms of low testosterone, including fatigue, a loss of libido, decreased motivation, depression, weight changes, and muscle loss. You can get your dose of TRT via oral medications, patches, injections, and creams.
Like HRT, it has its risks. TRT can encourage too much red blood cell growth, increasing the chances of someone developing blood clots.
It can also cause acne and sleep apnea. Those on TRT may have lower sperm production too.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between TRT and HRT is that HRT is used to treat hormonal imbalances as a whole. It focuses on the entire body, while TRT is a bit more targeted.
Some can visit this TRT treatment center and get what they need out of it. Others need the big-picture approach that comes with HRT.
As far as costs go, they don’t differ much. You can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $1,000 a month, depending on which administration method you use.
TRT Vs. HRT: What’s the Best Treatment Option for You?
TRT Vs. HRT, which is the better treatment option? In truth, it depends on your situation. Some people prefer HRT because it treats the whole body, and some like the targeted approach that TRT takes.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to schedule an appointment with your doctor. They’ll sit down with you and help you weigh all your options.
For more information on HRT and TRT, visit the Health section of our blog.
