How Much Does TRT Cost?

Low energy, sexual dysfunction, and changes to muscle mass and body fat distribution are symptoms typically attributed to women entering menopause, but men can also suffer from inadequate hormone levels that can cause a range of adverse side effects as they age. For many, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a powerful solution. But how much does TRT cost, and what can you expect?

We’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down the average price of TRT and offers a few tips to help lower your costs as you consider your treatment options. 

What’s involved with testosterone replacement therapy? 

TRT refers to medical treatments designed to restore healthy testosterone levels. Here’s what you need to know about the process:

How is TRT administered? 

After a consultation with your healthcare provider, who will order lab work to test your baseline testosterone levels, you will begin a personalized treatment plan to balance your hormones.

Supplemental testosterone can be administered in various forms, including:

• Injections: Most common form. Effective and affordable, but may cause spikes and crashes in some patients. Frequency varies. 

• Topical gel or cream: Applied daily to the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. 

• Patches: Provide a consistent supply of testosterone through daily patches.  

• Pellets: Long-acting implants administered every 3 to 6 months. 

• Oral tablets: Less commonly in the US. Convenient, but may not release reliable levels of the hormone. 

How many treatments do you need?

For many, TRT is a long-term or lifelong therapeutic solution to low testosterone. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment and your overall health, adjusting your dosage as needed. 

Are there any side effects of TRT?

The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy are generally mild and include acne, hair loss, and sleep apnea. In some cases, TRT can increase red blood cells and create a greater risk of blood clots and stroke. If you have a history of certain types of cancer, prostate issues, or urological dysfunction, your doctor may require more frequent checkups or suggest an alternative treatment. 

How much is testosterone replacement therapy?

The price of hormone replacement therapy is highly variable, with many factors affecting how much you’ll ultimately pay for TRT. In fact, you could pay anywhere between $50 and $500 per month. 

Is TRT covered by insurance?

In most cases, insurance covers TRT for patients whose low T has been verified with blood tests. Be sure to check your plan for specific coverage details, limitations, and other considerations. Some insurance providers only cover certain forms of supplemental testosterone or consider age-related decline as “non-essential.”

What factors can affect the cost of TRT?

Factors affecting how much TRT costs include:

• Location

• Clinical fees

• Treatment type

• Dosage and frequency

• Additional medications like estrogen blockers or hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Cost breakdown for testosterone therapy

Here’s an example of how the various components of TRT may impact your overall cost for the first month of treatment:

• Consultation fee: $50 to $200

• Lab work: $100 to $300

• Testosterone injections: $40 to $100

• Estrogen blockers: $20 to $50

• hCG: $50 to $100

• Total cost: $260 to $750

Keep in mind that the first month of treatment will generally be the most expensive, as it includes labwork and an initial consultation. Additionally, supplemental medications are not always prescribed. 

How can you lower the costs of TRT?

Your access to TRT shouldn’t be limited by how much it costs. Here are a few ideas to help you restore your body’s testosterone levels on a budget: 

Compare prices

Not all doctors’ offices and wellness centers offer comparable pricing structures, so it’s important to shop around before committing to a provider. Just remember the factors that can affect how much you end up paying for your treatment.

Take advantage of coupons or discounts

Coupons, rebates, and discounts through companies like GoodRx and SingleCare can significantly lower prescription costs. You may be able to find manufacturer coupons for name-brand testosterone supplements, copay assistance plans, or free trial programs to further lower your overall costs. 

Speak with your provider about your options

Healthcare providers with lots of experience helping patients navigate the TRT process should be able to inform you of various options that may be more cost-effective. Injections tend to be the most affordable method of administration, with generic medications offering enhanced savings.

If the price of testosterone replacement therapy is still straining your finances, ask your doctor about extending the intervals between visits, lab tests, or injections. Once your testosterone levels reach a stable position, you may find that you no longer need additional supplements like estrogen blockers and hCG. 

Elevate your well-being at Balanced Health and Wellness!

Ready to reclaim your health and restore your body’s testosterone levels? Balanced Health and Wellness can help.

Our knowledgeable providers can help you determine if TRT is the right solution to boost your energy levels, rebuild muscle loss, and reclaim your sexual vitality. Book a Men’s Optimization Consult today to get started!