If you’re searching for “how much is testosterone,” you’re likely considering testosterone therapy to improve your energy, mood, or overall health. Understanding the costs involved is important, but there’s more to know before starting treatment.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) injections are a common option, but they can affect your fertility in ways many men don’t expect.
In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs of testosterone therapy, explain the impact TRT injections may have on sperm health, and introduce an alternative that may preserve your fertility while boosting T.
How Much Is Testosterone Therapy?
If you're considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), understanding the financial commitment is crucial for making an informed decision.
The cost of testosterone treatment varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of therapy, your insurance coverage, and whether you need ongoing monitoring. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
The Cost of Getting Diagnosed
Before starting TRT, you'll need proper testing to confirm low testosterone levels. The diagnostic process typically involves blood tests to measure your testosterone levels, and potentially additional hormone panels to rule out other conditions.
At-home testosterone test kits cost $69 to $89 and can provide a baseline for discussions with healthcare providers.
When conducted through a doctor's office or laboratory, testosterone testing may be covered by insurance if medically necessary, however, consider your deductible for this.
If uninsured should expect to pay out-of-pocket costs ranging from $50 to $300 for comprehensive hormone panels.
The diagnostic process may also include consultation fees with endocrinologists or urologists, which can range from $200 to $500 for initial visits, depending on your location and the specialist's experience.
Monthly TRT Costs: What to Expect
The ongoing cost of testosterone replacement therapy varies dramatically based on the delivery method and your insurance status.
With Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance plans do cover testosterone replacement therapy when prescribed by a doctor for medically diagnosed low testosterone. With insurance coverage, TRT typically costs between $40-$100 per month, though this can vary based on your specific plan's copay structure and deductible requirements.
Medicare Part B covers TRT administered in outpatient settings, while Medicare Part D covers self-administered medications, though coverage may be limited for certain conditions like age-related testosterone decline.
Telemed Options Without Insurance
Generally, telemedicine companies aim to be more affordable and accessible even for those without insurance. This might be a good option for you if you’re on a budget.
At Strut Health, our TRT alternative (boosting testosterone without harming fertility) is $79/month, even without insurance, for treatment that supports your testosterone levels while preserving your natural hormone production.
Without Insurance Coverage
For those paying out-of-pocket, the costs are significantly higher. The cost of testosterone therapy averages $100–$450 per month without insurance, with the wide range reflecting different treatment options and dosages. With injections being the most affordable and gels a bit pricer.
Annual Cost Considerations
When budgeting for TRT, it's important to think beyond just the medication costs.
TRT costs range from $1,650 to $3,200 per year, but this figure should include regular monitoring appointments, blood work to track hormone levels and potential side effects, and any necessary dosage adjustments.
Additional annual costs may include:
- Quarterly blood tests ($100-$300 each)
- Regular follow-up appointments with your prescribing physician ($150-$400 per visit)
- Potential side effect management or additional treatments
What You Should Know About TRT and Fertility
The cost of testosterone injections is not the only thing you should consider when starting TRT.
If you’ve heard that TRT can affect your fertility, but you aren’t worried because you aren’t planning for kids–no worries. TRT might be a good fit for you. But if you want to be a dad in the future, or to expand your family, you might think twice about TRT injections.
How TRT Affects Sperm Production
Testosterone therapy decreases sperm production, in some cases stops production, which directly affects your fertility.
This happens because external testosterone disrupts your body's natural hormone regulation system. When you receive testosterone from outside sources, your brain signals to your testicles to reduce or stop their own testosterone and sperm production.
There is abundant evidence demonstrating that TRT significantly decreases sperm production, and especially with repeated exposure, can lead to low and even absent sperm counts.
Important Considerations for Future Fathers
Many guys are surprised to learn about testosterone's contraceptive effects, as it seems counterintuitive that a "male hormone" would reduce fertility.
But this effect isn't just theoretical—for many men, TRT can have suppressive effects on fertility.
Some men choose to bank sperm before starting TRT as a precautionary measure.
Others may opt for fertility-preserving treatments that can boost testosterone levels without completely shutting down natural hormone production.
Considering Enclomiphene as an Alternative to TRT Injections
Now that you know the price of testosterone, and the possible fertility cost, let's explore possible alternatives to TRT that can boost your testosterone while preserving your fertility.
One of the most promising alternatives gaining attention is enclomiphene citrate, a medication that takes a fundamentally different approach to treating low testosterone.
TRT turns T production off. Enclomiphene turns it back on.
Unlike testosterone injections, which replace your body’s hormones, Enclomiphene stimulates your brain to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) — the same signals your body uses to naturally make both testosterone and sperm.
This approach allows many men to raise their testosterone levels while keeping sperm production intact — which makes Enclomiphene a promising option for those who want the benefits of higher T without compromising fertility.
If your fertility is important to you, read this article to learn more about TRT and fertility.
What’s Right for You Depends on More Than Just Price
The cost of testosterone is only part of the equation.
Whether you choose traditional TRT injections or a fertility-preserving option like enclomiphene, the right treatment depends on your personal goals, not just your budget.
If you're weighing your options, talking to a provider who understands both the hormonal and fertility sides of treatment can help you make a more confident decision.
Consider taking our online questionnaire to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment with enclomiphene.
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