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Testosterone replacement therapy cost: what to expect

Steve Silvestro, MD - Contributor Avatar

Reviewed by Steve Silvestro, MD, Ro, 

Written by Michael Martin 

Steve Silvestro, MD - Contributor Avatar

Reviewed by Steve Silvestro, MD, Ro, 

Written by Michael Martin 

last updated: Feb 01, 2022

3 min read

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

If you're experiencing low testosterone (low T) or gender dysphoria symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. 

While this can bring a sense of relief, it may also cause anxiety about cost. How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost? That depends on a few variables. Let’s take a look at what impacts cost and compare testosterone therapy prices below.

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How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost?

As with all medications, the cost of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) varies depending on the treatment you choose. It also depends on the state you live in, your pharmacy, insurance plan, and any potential discounts available. 

Keep in mind that some forms of TRT may not be covered or will be subject to a co-pay. Generic forms may also be cheaper if available. The following are average approximate retail prices of various TRT treatment options in New York.

Testosterone patch

The most common treatment for low T is testosterone patches, which are applied to the skin. Currently, there is one testosterone patch on the market:

Testosterone gel

A frequently prescribed treatment, testosterone gels are rubbed into the skin. There are several options available:

  • AndroGel (1 gel pump, 88 g, 1.62%): $736 (generic: $468) (GoodRx, n.d-b.)

  • Testim (5 g of 50 mg, 30 tubes, one-month supply): $735 (generic: $453) (GoodRx, n.d.-c)

  • Fortesta (60 g of 10 mg, 1 pump): $499 (generic: $401) (GoodRx, n.d.-d)

  • Vogelxo (5 g of 50 mg, 30 packets, one-month supply): $460 (generic: $453) (GoodRx, n.d.-e)

Testosterone solution

This topical treatment is rubbed onto the skin, usually twice a day. 

  • Axiron (90 mL of 30 g, one bottle): Available as generic $539 (GoodRx, n.d.-f)

Nasal testosterone

Nasal testosterone gel is applied to the inside of each nostril three times a day.

  • Natesto (11 g of 5.5 mg, one tube): $344 (no generic available) (GoodRx, n.d-g).

Injectable testosterone

There are currently two forms of testosterone injections on the market. Depo-Testosterone is administered every 2–4 weeks, and Aveed is given five times a year.

  • Depo-Testosterone (1 mL of 200 mg/mL, one vial): $38 (generic: $35) (GoodRx, n.d.-h).

  • Aveed (3 mL of 250 mg/mL, one vial): $1,560 (no generic available) (Drugs.com, n.d.).

What is TRT?

Testosterone is a male sex hormone (androgen) present in men and women. It plays a role in development at puberty and has a wide-ranging effect on wellness throughout life.

TRT is a form of hormone replacement therapy. Supplemental testosterone comes in various forms (injections, topical solutions, or implantable pellets) and is used to increase testosterone levels in the body. 

TRT is primarily prescribed to lessen the symptoms of low testosterone in men; women are given TRT less frequently. Some providers also recommend TRT for gender dysphoria treatment.

Low T is common as men get older. A large clinical trial found that 39% of men above 45 have low testosterone (Mulligan, 2006). Testosterone levels fall about 1–2% a year, starting around age 40 (Miah, 2019). 

Symptoms of low testosterone

In men, signs of low T can include (Sizar, 2021): 

For women, symptoms of low testosterone include (Scavello, 2019):

  • Low sex drive

  • Low sexual sensitivity

  • Decreased sexual arousal and ability to orgasm

  • Fatigue

A healthcare provider can check your testosterone levels with a simple blood test. The normal range for testosterone in men is between 300–1000 ng/dL. The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL (Mulhall, 2018). In women, the regular range is 15–46 ng/dL (Braunstein, 2011). 

 Is TRT right for me?

If you have symptoms of low T, seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can detail the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, any potential risks, and work with you to formulate a treatment plan. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes a warning about the potential risk of heart attacks and strokes in some people using TRT (FDA, 2018). Testosterone treatment can also have side effects like infertility. It may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions, such as prostate cancer. 

As you can see, one factor to consider with TRT is cost, which ranges widely depending on the type. Different insurance companies have their own policies regarding coverage for TRT. Your insurance provider can tell you how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for TRT. 

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  1. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline

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Current version

February 01, 2022

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Steve Silvestro, MD

About the medical reviewer

Steve Silvestro, MD - Contributor Avatar

Steve Silvestro, MD, Ro

Dr. Steve Silvestro is a board-certified pediatrician and Associate Director, Clinical Content & Education at Ro.

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