Best Hormone Tests in 2026

This varies dramatically. Some all-inclusive services bundle consultation, labs, and medications. Others charge a low base fee then add on medication costs, lab fees, and consultation charges. Always ask for total year-one cost including initial consultation, ongoing visits, quarterly labs, and all medications. The cheapest monthly fee often isn't the cheapest total cost.

Legitimate clinics require bloodwork showing low testosterone (typically below 300 ng/dL total testosterone) plus symptoms like fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, or depression. Be wary of clinics that prescribe based on symptoms alone or treat men with normal levels. Some symptoms of low T overlap with other treatable conditions. Get comprehensive labs before committing.

Yes, telemedicine TRT is legal throughout the US when properly conducted. Clinics employ licensed physicians who prescribe scheduled medications through licensed pharmacies. Safety comes from proper monitoring including regular bloodwork to check hematocrit, PSA, and hormone levels. The main risk isn't legality but quality. Some clinics provide inadequate monitoring or inexperienced prescribers.

Testosterone cypionate or enanthate injections are standard. Quality clinics also offer HCG to maintain fertility and testicular function, aromatase inhibitors if estrogen rises too high, and occasionally alternatives like clomiphene for men wanting to avoid exogenous testosterone. Some now offer peptides and growth hormone secretagogues, though these are less established.

Energy and mood improvements often appear within 2-4 weeks. Libido changes typically follow in 3-6 weeks. Body composition changes (muscle gain, fat loss) require 3-6 months of consistent therapy combined with exercise. Full optimization, where bloodwork stabilizes and dose adjustments settle, usually takes 3-6 months. Be skeptical of clinics promising immediate dramatic results.