Testosterone Replacement Therapy, also known as TRT, has become increasingly popular among men in recent years. There is a good reason for this though. With declining physical activity due to being glued to TV’s, video game consoles and mobile devices men’s testosterone is declining faster and faster. On average men’s testosterone drops about 1% per year after the age of 35. However, with our current lifestyles, we are seeing more drastic reductions. So what is the cost of testosterone replacement therapy? Today we’re going to break down the options for TRT and the cost for each as well.
TRT Treatment Options
This has many men jumping on the TRT train to increase their testosterone. While these treatments do not increase your bodies natural testosterone production, they do increase the amounts found in your body. TRT comes in various forms such as gels, pellets and injections.Testosterone Injections
TRT Injections are the most common and TRT injections are the lowest cost option in most cases. By far the cheapest method to keep TRT costs down are getting the injections through your doctor with insurance. The typical 1ml vial of testosterone cypionate is around $15-$20, this vial is usually 200mg per ml. The typical starting dose of TRT with testosterone cypionate is 50mg to 100mg per week. With this in mind, you’re looking a total TRT cost of $15 to $30 per month depending on the dosage.Testosterone Gels (Androgel)
TRT cost will generally be much higher if you go with the topical gel options, as many of these do not have generic alternatives. A month supply of Androgel, for example, could cost $600+ without insurance and $30-$60 with insurance if it’s covered by your plan. TRT cost for injections without insurance may still be in the $30 range even without insurance coverage.TRT Clinics
Another option that you may run across is TRT Clinics. These are sometimes referred to as men’s wellness or health clinics and anti-aging clinics.
These can be quite expensive at times due to the fact that many do not bill insurance. You will be on your own in many cases to pay upfront and then work with your insurance company to cover the costs. This can work for some but others report issues with getting reimbursed.
An advantage of these clinics is that the doctors specialize in TRT, so the treatment that you receive can be superior to what you may get from your general doctor. This varies from one clinic to another and your particular general doctor may have specific experience with hormone replacement therapies and protocols.
How To Get Started On TRT
Your first step is going to be talking to your primary care doctor or a clinic about your symptoms. Based on this and many lab tests, the proper treatment can be decided.
Low Testosterone Symptoms for Men
Some of the common symptoms for low testosterone in men are:- Brain Fog
- Low Libido
- Low Energy
- Difficulty Losing Weight Despite Diet Changes
- Difficulty Gaining Muscle
- Read About More Low Testosterone Symptoms
Are There Side Effects To TRT?
Of course, there can be side effects, especially when working with hormones. This is why it is so important to find a good doctor with experience. You also need to get regular blood work done at the beginning of treatment until your protocol is dialed in and everything looks good.
- Increased Estrogen also know as E2 or Estradiol – Can be managed with proper dosage schedule(more often), a lower dosage or in worst case an aromatase inhibitor
- Hematocrit or Red Blood Cell Count Increases – Possible to manage with blood donation but research is not clear that this works in all cases. [1]
- Acne
- Enlarged Breasts – Also known as Gynecomastia or Gyno for short
- Breathing Issues – Could make sleep apnea worse
- Enlarged Prostate
- Oily Skin
- Dull Pain in Testicles
- Increased Risk for Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease (Mixed Data from Research)
TRT Cost At A Glance
- Testosterone Injections – $30 per month with insurance (may be similar without insurance)
- Testosterone Gels – Expensive option, ~$600 per month without insurance and $30-$60 with insurance
- Anti-Aging Clinic – Varies depending on the clinic but generally around $200 per month
Pharmacy Options
- Empower Pharmacy – Online, compounding pharmacy located in USA
- ReliableRx – Online, Low Prices for prescriptions. Located outside of the USA
- You may also use your local pharmacy, these are just alternative suggestions that many TRT patients use.
Is TRT Right For You?
Now that you know that testosterone replacement therapy can be affordable, is it the right option for you?
You should know that generally speaking, TRT is a lifelong commitment. Most men who begin taking hormones will stay on hormones the remainder of their life. Why? Because once you start taking testosterone, your body will stop producing as much of its own.
So when you stop taking testosterone, it can take some time for your body to recover its own natural production. There are other supplements you can take that can help restore it faster and more efficiently if this is the case for you.
Conclusion and Next Steps
If you have decided that TRT may be the right option for you. The first step is getting tested. You can either visit your primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, or a wellness clinic to get the required lab test. Alternatively, you can take some of the home testing options available or order your own lab work through a vendor.
- Get Tested
- Talk To Your Doctor or Clinic
- Read our guide to TRT for guidance on optimal protocol and potential concerns.
- Feel Better Than Ever!
