Source comparison
MK-677 Help Andropause Research: Full Comparison Table
Serum IGF-1 Increase 70–90% elevation sustained 10–20% increase (secondary effect) MK-677 produces far greater IGF-1 elevation than TRT, but this doesn't correlate with superior functional outcomes Testosterone Levels No change from baseline Restores to 600–90
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Serum IGF-1 Increase
- 70–90% elevation sustained
- 10–20% increase (secondary effect)
- MK-677 produces far greater IGF-1 elevation than TRT, but this doesn't correlate with superior functional outcomes
- Testosterone Levels
- No change from baseline
- Restores to 600–900 ng/dL range
- MK-677 does not address the hormonal root of most andropause symptoms. Testosterone deficiency
- Lean Mass Gain (12 months)
- 1.0–1.5kg
- 3.0–5.0kg
- 3.5–6.0kg
- Lean mass gains require training stimulus regardless of hormone intervention; MK-677 amplifies training response but doesn't replace it
- Fat Mass Reduction
- Minimal to none
- 1–3kg
- 2–4kg
- Fat loss with MK-677 monotherapy is negligible; TRT produces modest fat loss even without dietary intervention
- Libido and Sexual Function
- No improvement
- Marked improvement in 70–85% of patients
- Sexual symptoms respond to androgens, not GH. MK-677 is ineffective for this andropause domain
- Sleep Quality (SWS duration)
- +20–30 minutes per night
- Variable, often no change
- MK-677's effect on sleep architecture is unique and consistent. One of its clearest clinical benefits
- Bone Mineral Density (12 months)
- +1.5–2.5% lumbar spine
- +2–4% lumbar spine
- Both therapies support bone health; TRT shows slightly greater effect, particularly in cortical bone
- Insulin Sensitivity
- Worsens slightly (fasting glucose +5–10 mg/dL)
- Neutral or improves if training load is high
- Improves modestly
- MK-677 increases insulin resistance transiently; this is dose-dependent and partially mitigated by exercise