Hormone Therapy vs. Peptide Therapy for Low-T: Which Is Best for Me?

Are you struggling with low testosterone levels and wondering which treatment option is right for you? Hormone therapy and peptide therapy are two treatments available here at the Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging to address low testosterone (low T) and its associated symptoms.

Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for your specific needs. 

Remember: What’s “best” for you depends on a few factors, including your current hormone levels, your overall health, and the root cause of your low testosterone.

Read on as Stephen Ficchi, DO compares hormone replacement therapy versus peptide therapy for low T. 

All about hormone therapy

Hormone therapy, also known as testosterone replacement therapy, involves administering either synthetic or bioidentical testosterone to supplement low levels in your body. Only men with low testosterone (confirmed by a blood test) should consider testosterone replacement. 

This treatment is customizable and can be delivered via injections, patches, gels, pellets, or oral medications. If you choose the pellet method, you won’t have to worry about daily pills or gels. Once the pellets are implanted just under your skin, they’ll release the just-right-for-you dosage of hormones for up to six months. After that, Dr Ficchi can insert new pellets. 

Hormone therapy aims to restore testosterone levels to within a normal range and alleviate symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and mood changes.

Pros and cons of hormone therapy 

As with any treatment, there are pros and cons to consider when it comes to hormone therapy. Hormone therapy can provide rapid relief from the symptoms of low testosterone, help improve your energy levels, sexual function, mood, and overall quality of life. 

It’s customizable, so you can choose the delivery method that works best for you. Hormone therapy can be used as a long-term solution for managing low testosterone, with ongoing monitoring here in our Philadelphia office to ensure your hormone levels stay balanced. 

Hormone therapy isn’t right for everyone though. Hormone therapy may be associated with side effects such as acne (since testosterone boosts your sebum production), fluid retention, breast enlargement, and changes in cholesterol levels. It might not be right for you if you have sleep apnea or an enlarged prostate gland.

All about peptide therapy

Peptide therapy involves the use of small protein molecules (called peptides) to stimulate your body's natural production of testosterone. These peptide hormones work by signaling the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 一 which also helps with sperm production 一 from your pituitary gland, which, in turn, stimulates testosterone production in your testes. 

This is a key difference from testosterone therapy. Peptide therapy doesn’t give you testosterone; it encourages your body to make more.

Peptide therapy can be administered via injections or nasal sprays.

Pros and cons of peptide therapy

Peptide therapy supports your body's own production of testosterone, so it tends to lead to a more natural and balanced hormonal response.  Peptide therapy is generally well-tolerated and may have fewer side effects compared to traditional hormone replacement therapy. 

Another big plus: In addition to addressing low T symptoms, peptide therapy may offer other benefits, such as skin rejuvenation, improved muscle mass, fat loss, and cognitive function.

Because the peptides at Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging are sourced from natural sources like  eggs, hemp seed, wheat, or milk, there are virtually no side effects from peptide therapy. Your body tolerates them well.

Peptides can break down quickly, so if you have an over-the-counter peptide cream, it may not be as potent as you’d wish. The good news is that peptides are also available as oral supplements, nasal sprays, and high quality topical products. 

Which one is better for you?

When it comes to hormone therapy and peptide therapy for low T, there isn’t just one right answer. When deciding between hormone therapy and peptide therapy for low testosterone,  Dr. Ficchi considers several factors such as your treatment goals, preferences, your current hormone levels, and potential side effects. 

Don’t let low T hold you back. To schedule your consultation, call our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office at 215-801-3036. You can also also click here to try our online booking form.