How Much Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Cost?
Now that you are diagnosed with low-T, the next course of action is starting testosterone therapy. But then it is important to understand the different costs you will incur for the therapy, even though they should be broken down to you when you visit your TRT clinic.
The cost of getting testosterone replacement therapy might differ depending on the medication prescribed, your doctor, your location, method of administration, how severe your symptoms are, how long the treatment will take, and whether/how much coverage you get from your health insurance company.
When you decide to get TRT, you should know exactly what you are paying for, so expect to commit for a long period of time.
That said, here is a quick rundown of how much it will cost you to get testosterone replacement therapy.
Startup Costs
Before the therapy starts, there are a few required tests and other things that will make part of the overall costs. These are done to help customize the treatment plan because all individuals are different and have different needs.
Here are the startup costs to expect when you decide to get TRT. Keep in mind every clinic charges different rates. This is only meant to be an overview of potential costs.
Blood Work
Blood work is vital when it comes to determining the level of testosterone in the body. The process includes two separate assessments which include total testosterone and free testosterone. The free testosterone test is used to determine the amount of testosterone not bound to proteins. On the other hand, the total testosterone test is used to measure comprehensive testosterone levels in the body, both the free testosterone as well as the amount attached to proteins to aid with the transportation of the hormone in the bloodstream.
Your treatment is customized to your special needs which is why different blood tests are done, to ensure that all those needs are addressed. It also helps to establish the severity of your symptoms and which approach to use for treatment. The cost of getting blood work done could range anything from $100- $200, but with the financial help of your insurance company, it could cost less. If your insurer can cover the cost, then it helps to gauge where you are financially before starting therapy.
Physical Exam
A physical exam before your testosterone therapy is used to determine how healthy you are, which aids in creating a treatment plan unique to only you. This cost could be covered by your insurer, after proof of a need from your medical care provider. If covered by insurance, the cost will vary depending on the insurance plan and the provider. While most of the treatment methods are used to increase testosterone levels rather than restore then, the therapy might be a lifetime, so, you’d be advantaged to get financial aid from your insurance cover.
On the downside, not everyone has a health insurance cover, and even those with it sometimes end up paying out of pocket for different reasons. For instance, if you are still showing symptoms but your testosterone levels have not reached the amount used to establish a need for your insurer, then they may not payout.
On the brighter side, getting testosterone replacement therapy comes at very reasonable prices that won’t hurt your pocket, often between $50- $200.
During the physical exam, you might be required to fill out health questionnaires regarding your medical history and any issues about your health, if any. A review is done to establish the glaring risks for the likelihood of any diseases that can be avoided, as well as pinpointing existing problem areas.
When a possible health concern is discovered, the matter is brought to your attention and a few changes on your lifestyle and medication might be made for your treatment so that you may attain better health.
Consult
Your TRT doctor will need to review your blood work results before coming up with a treatment plan for you. Does the blood work show any risks for the possibilities of certain conditions or illnesses? How will different treatments work for you? Are you healthy? This is important, and the cost usually ranges between $100-$200.
Your TRT health care provider is going to personalize a treatment plan suitable just for you and your needs.
Also, this is usually done more often than not after your testosterone therapy begins. You might have to get more blood work done to assess your current health position and how effective the therapy is, in order to make any changes to the treatment plan if necessary.
Monthly Costs
When it comes to TRT, normally you will have a stack of things you take. Some clinics charge monthly, some bi-monthly, and some can sell in bulk.
You will usually start with:
Testosterone
You will be put on one of three types of testosterone, cypionate or ethanate are the most popular. If you have no health insurance cover, cypionate might cost you an approximate of $110 for a little over a month’s supply.
However, if you have a health insurance cover, the cost will be definitely lower. This cost is usually determined by your insurer’s guidelines. To prove that you have low-T, they may request you to take two different testosterone tests before 10 am. If the results turn out positive, then approved TRT replacement can begin, and this may cost about $30.
Another alternative treatment is Androgel which costs as much as $300-$500 for one month’s supply if you pay without insurance. But with an insurance cover, you might pay as little as $30 for the same amount of Androgel.
So, take advantage of the many insurance companies that offer partial coverage for TRT costs. You might have to pay out of your pocket, but this is going to come in hand in the long run. If you don’t know how or where to begin, discuss with your TRT physician for advice on how to get compensated by your insurer.
You’d be surprised by how easy it is to get insurance for your TRT because a lot of health insurance companies provide coverage for the same provided there is proof of a need. The amount covered will not be the same for all health insurance providers, it will differ depending on your health plan and other policy-specific factors such as the deductible, etc.
Diagnosis from your TRT doctor or some conditions might not prevent your approval from the health insurance provider. For instance, if you have had a prostatectomy before, you might not need to undergo tests to check for low-T.
Because of testosterone injections, your doctor may choose to put you on HCG which is used to sustain the natural function of the testicles. This is because the treatment is linked to shrinkage and prevention of the natural production of the testicles. Hence, HCG is used to prevent this occurrence while boosting fertility.
Aromatase Inhibitor
As one ages and gains more weight, their body converts testosterone into estradiol. This estradiol is regarded as the “bad estrogen” which is mostly linked to problems with the prostate, erectile issues, and gynecomastia. While the production of estradiol is more harmful than good, aromatase, an enzyme complex, speeds it up. Aromatase plays the role of changing testosterone into the bad estrogen, estradiol.
To that end, once aromatase inhibitors are introduced to the body, they bind with the aromatase in order to weaken it. Aromatase is usually present in fat cells in the male body, and as they increase in size, so does the estradiol. This causes a decline in testosterone levels.
The bone mineral intensity in men is determined by estradiol in the body, hence low levels are associated with osteoporosis and bone loss in elderly men. Low amounts of estradiol are also linked to erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, and increased fat.
Through the administration of the aromatase inhibitor, the levels of estradiol are decreased. As a result, testosterone, LH, and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are elevated. As such, aromatase inhibitors are mostly used to increase the amount of testosterone for men with low-T.
The average cost is about $250 monthly, while some clinics can charge up to $500 for the same products. As you dial in, these things may be tweaked in quantity.
Other Costs
Blood work will have to be done regularly to monitor your levels, things like your hematocrit need to be watched, so do your hormones in order to Dial you in.
Collectively, here is what you can expect to pay every year for testosterone replacement therapy if you don’t have insurance coverage;
Blood work-$100-$200 + Physical exam-$50-$200 + Consult-$100-$200 as one off or occasional costs, and monthly you’re looking at Testosterone-$110 + Aromatase inhibitor-on average $250= $610-$960
Annually TRT costs can range between $2,400-$5,000 depending on what protocol you’re on and what clinic you work with.
However, if you have health insurance coverage, then you would definitely pay lower than that.
Keep in mind that is a small price to pay when you consider the impact it will have on your life, your work, and your overall health. In fact, most people say that TRT is an investment that has a tremendous ROI because your professional life will benefit as a result.
Work With AAI
Work with a group of professionals from AAI and get the best customer service to the end of your TRT journey. AAI clinic offers a cost-effective solution to TRT, we work with you to get the plan you need. You not only get top-notch services but also value for your money.
