Have you been experiencing a low sex drive, dwindling energy, and sudden mood swings? If so, your hormones could be behind these changes.
Specifically, men with low testosterone levels (Low-T) can experience physical, mental, and emotional effects if this hormonal imbalance occurs.
Testosterone therapy can help reverse these symptoms and allow you to reclaim your quality of life. While this treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone, it can make a major difference in the lives of those who need it.
As you research more about this option, price point matters. Today, we’re looking at a few factors that can affect your testosterone replacement therapy costs so you know what to expect.
Signs of Low Testosterone
Before recommending this therapy, your physician will need to determine the root cause of the issues you’ve been experiencing. Before starting TRT, it is vital to have a comprehensive blood panel done to ensure you need to boost your levels.
Studies show that this condition affects around 40% of males aged 45 and older. Testosterone levels tend to spike during puberty, helping to jumpstart initial muscle development, facial/body hair growth, and sexual desires.
Throughout adulthood, this hormone continues to support overall wellness, muscle growth, mood, and sexual function. It also helps men control their weight and sleep better at night.
Over time, however, natural testosterone levels tend to decline. Some men experience this dip as early as their 30s. However, it usually takes hold around the mid-40s.
Some of the most common signs of Low-T include:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low energy levels
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low libido
- Less lean muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Hot flashes
- Hair loss
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
Some of these symptoms are noticeable while others are less obvious. Your doctor will perform a blood test to see if Low-T could be behind the changes you’re experiencing. More than just a hormone, testosterone plays a central role in many of your body’s functions, including:
- Strength
- Mental clarity
- Bone density
- Muscle size and strength
- Sperm production
When your levels are lower than they should be, you’ll feel the effects throughout most areas of your life.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
If your doctor confirms that your testosterone levels are low, they may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as a route forward. This is the process of increasing your body’s natural testosterone levels with an exogenous, supplemental form of the hormone. The term exogenous means that your body doesn’t produce the testosterone.
In addition to the supplements, TRT also includes monitoring and blood tests to track how your body responds to the therapy. Most men who undergo TRT report many benefits, including:
- Increased sex drive
- Increased stamina and energy
- Improved sexual performance
- Increased strength and muscle mass
- Improved mood
- Sharper focus
- Improved ability to burn fat and maintain a healthy weight
- More hair growth
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all form of TRT. Rather, your doctor will work closely with you to understand your specific symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. When your body’s natural testosterone levels are in balance, this should help you look and feel better.
How Much Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Cost?
As TRT is tailored to meet the needs of each individual, the cost of testosterone replacement therapy will vary. If you search online for a specific price, you’re bound to see a wide range of answers.
There are a few different factors that affect how much you’ll pay for your treatment. These include:
- The form of testosterone you take (e.g. injection, pill, patch, cream, etc.)
- Your insurance co-pay (if applicable)
- The number of doctor’s visits required
- The frequency of your treatments
- Your regular testosterone dosage
- Your geographic location
- Any additional tests or medications required
While you might be tempted to shop around for the lowest TRT price, remember that this is a treatment that directly affects your body and well-being. It’s important to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality treatment available.
Let’s take a look at these factors and how they can influence your cost.
Form of Testosterone
Most TRT price variations are based on the way your testosterone is administered. This can occur in several different ways, including:
- Intramuscular injections
- Oral pills
- Skin patches
- Topical gels and creams
Each formula is slightly different and requires a specific application method. They all have their own benefits and potential risks. Some methods, including intramuscular injections, will also include accessories (such as syringes) that could carry an additional cost.
Our team believes that intramuscular injection is one of the most effective forms of TRT, though prices can even vary among this form of treatment depending on the inclusion of certain additives.
Insurance
If your TRT provider accepts insurance, this can also affect your out-of-pocket costs. Be sure to speak with your medical team and insurance company before moving forward to understand how your payments will work.
In most cases, insurance coverage depends on your provider, your specific policy, and any underlying health conditions that may be present. In many cases, TRT is not covered by insurance by providers. However, there may be other ways to seek reimbursement, such as through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA).
Doctor’s Visits Required
If your TRT requires in-person or virtual doctor’s visits, these can also affect the price of your treatment. However, these visits are often necessary to help your doctor learn more about your needs, prescribe the appropriate form of testosterone, and follow up on your progress.
At Evolve, we make this step easy. Once we review your health history and conduct our comprehensive lab panel, we’ll help you connect with our expert providers and staff members through a video call. During this time, we’ll dive into the results of your panel, discuss your health goals, and work together to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Frequency of Treatments
Once we conduct our call, you can expect your custom treatments to arrive directly on your doorstep in a short amount of time! Again, your individual needs will determine the form of testosterone you receive and the frequency with which you administer the treatments.
If you need more persistent applications to achieve the results you want, then you may pay a higher price for the increased quantity. Once you begin your treatment, we’ll meet with you to see how your body is adjusting to the treatments, listen to any questions or concerns you may have, and discuss any possible adjustments that may be necessary.
Testosterone Dosage
The amount of testosterone in each dose can also affect the price of your treatments. Your physician will determine this amount based on your health history, lab panel results, video call discussion, and the objectives you want to reach through TRT.
It’s important to follow these recommendations closely, as they’re based completely on your personal condition, including your health history and future goals. Saving money by skipping a dose or lowering the amount in each dose is not recommended.
Geographic Location
If you work with an in-person medical provider to conduct your TRT, then the price of healthcare in your region may play a role in how much you pay for each treatment.
This is especially the case if you need to get blood tests or lab work done at a nearby doctor’s office or healthcare facility. These organizations may have their own co-pays that will apply to your treatment.
Additional Tests or Medications
If your individualized TRT treatment plan requires tests, medications, or therapies beyond the standard procedure, then you may be required to pay more for these services. Always make sure you understand what’s included in your plan before agreeing to begin any form of medical treatment.
At Evolve, we offer an array of comprehensive lab panels to help our physicians learn as much about your needs as possible. They measure everything from your current hormone levels and metabolic function to your gut health, heavy metal content, food allergies, and more!
You’ll work closely with a dedicated care coordinator throughout the duration of your TRT. They’ll take the time to go over every lab panel marker and result with you, so you can closely understand your health.
With our treatment plans, you can take care of your lab tests through a simple, in-person blood draw. We’ll help you coordinate this appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Learn More About Testosterone Replacement Therapy Today
As you can see, there’s no straightforward answer to, “How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost? That’s because we tailor each treatment to meet your needs and address your specific health concerns.
While the costs can vary, the benefits of TRT are clear. With the right approach, individuals with Low-T can experience a host of benefits, from a boosted libido and improved sexual performance to greater muscle mass, easier weight loss, and even hair growth.
At Evolve, we offer safe, effective hormone treatments for men and women. To learn more about TRT and other options we provide, get in touch with us today.
