You’ve noticed a decline in your energy levels lately. You’re feeling fatigued, irritable, and your motivation to hit the gym has all but disappeared. Maybe you’re also experiencing a decrease in libido, struggling with weight gain, or even battling mood swings. As a result, you're considering your options—perhaps even looking into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as a potential solution. On the other hand, you’ve heard about steroids being used by some athletes to improve muscle mass and performance, and you wonder if they could offer a quicker fix.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we offer patient-centric treatments to help you get back to feeling your best. We are here to help you understand the difference between testosterone therapy and anabolic steroids to ensure you make an informed decision about your health and well-being.
TRT vs. steroids: what are they?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medically supervised treatment that restores testosterone levels in men who suffer from low testosterone, which is known as hypogonadism. This therapy helps alleviate common symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and depression. TRT can take several forms, including injections, pellets, and topical applications. Unlike anabolic steroids, which are often misused to enhance muscle mass, TRT is prescribed to treat hormone imbalances and improve the body’s natural functioning.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. They are primarily used to build muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. However, anabolic steroids are not prescribed for medical purposes and are typically abused by athletes and bodybuilders who wish to gain muscle faster, recover from intense workouts more quickly, or enhance physical appearance. Unlike TRT, steroids are not aimed at restoring normal hormone levels, but rather at achieving supra-physiological levels of testosterone.
Intended purpose and medical supervision
The key distinction between TRT and steroids lies in their intended purpose and medical supervision. TRT is specifically formulated to treat low testosterone levels to restore normal function and improve quality of life. It is prescribed by certified medical providers after thorough evaluation and testing. In contrast, steroids are often taken without any medical supervision, typically by individuals who want to increase muscle mass or enhance performance. This lack of medical guidance often leads to dangerous side effects.
Dosage and safety
TRT aims to bring your testosterone levels back to the normal physiological range, which can vary from person to person but typically falls between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. The doses administered through TRT are carefully calibrated to avoid any adverse effects on your health. Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are often taken in very high doses. These can push testosterone levels well beyond the normal range, leading to negative consequences such as “roid rage,” cardiovascular issues, liver damage, and infertility.
Potential side effects
Both TRT and anabolic steroids come with potential side effects, but the risks are much higher with steroid use. With TRT, side effects may include minor issues like fluid retention, acne, or breast tenderness, which are manageable under the care of a medical provider. Steroids, however, carry much more severe and dangerous side effects, including mood swings, aggression or “roid rage”, acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and permanent negative effects on natural hormone regulation.
Administration methods and effectiveness
Testosterone replacement therapy can be administered through several methods: injections, pellets, or topical applications. The most widely recommended options are testosterone injections and pellets, as these deliver testosterone directly into the bloodstream for optimal results. Injections are typically administered every 1-2 weeks, while pellets are inserted under the skin and provide a continuous, slow release of testosterone.
Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are usually taken orally or injected, but the doses are far higher than those used in TRT. The goal is to maximize muscle mass, which means steroids are often used in cycles that can cause drastic fluctuations in hormone levels. These fluctuations can increase the risk of side effects and complications.
Contact us for safe ways to restore testosterone
When considering testosterone therapy or steroids, it’s important to understand the critical differences between these two substances. While both may involve similar hormones, their uses, dosages, risks, and benefits are vastly different. TRT is a medically supervised treatment that restores normal testosterone levels and improves quality of life, while anabolic steroids are often abused to enhance muscle mass with serious health risks.
If you’re struggling with low testosterone and are considering treatment options, our team of experienced professionals can guide you through safe solutions like testosterone replacement therapy. Contact us to learn how we can help you feel like yourself again and live your best life.
