
Finding a legitimate online TRT clinic can be difficult. Hundreds of providers make bold claims, but many lack proper medical oversight, transparent pricing, or evidence-based protocols. This guide provides a direct vetting process based on medical licensing requirements, lab protocols, and safety standards to help you identify reputable clinics that deliver real results (for a broader overview of TRT services, see Men’s Health).
How to Verify Medical Licensing and Provider Credentials
Before trusting a clinic with your hormonal health, verify they employ qualified medical professionals. Look for:
- Board-certified physicians (MDs or DOs) with a specialization in hormone therapy
- ABHRT certification (Advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- Valid state medical licenses and DEA registration (required for prescribing testosterone as a Schedule III controlled substance)
Male Excel leads with board-certified physicians, including Medical Director Dr. Peter Fotinos, MD. All have ABHRT certification and specialized training in men's hormonal health.
Essential Lab Testing Protocols
Reputable clinics require comprehensive testing before prescribing and for ongoing monitoring:
- Initial labs must include: Total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, PSA (prostate-specific antigen), complete blood count, lipid panel, and thyroid markers
- Follow-up testing: Every 3–6 months initially, then annually once stable
- Red flag: Any clinic willing to prescribe without comprehensive bloodwork
This comprehensive testing approach separates legitimate medical providers from prescription mills focused on profit.
Pricing Transparency and Value Assessment
Now for the bottom line: pricing. Monthly costs typically range from $99–$199+, but what is included varies dramatically.
Service Component | Budget Clinics
| Mid-Range | Premium Providers |
Initial consultation
| $0–50 | $50–150 | Often included
|
Comprehensive labs | Extra ($200–400) | Partial inclusion
| Fully included |
Medication | Often marked up
| Moderate pricing | Transparent pricing |
Follow-up appointments
| Limited/extra | Quarterly | Unlimited access |
Monthly investment | $99+ (plus extras) | $149+ | $175–199+ |
Be wary of extremely low advertised prices, they often indicate that corners are being cut on medical oversight or that there are hidden fees.
Top-Rated Online TRT Clinics for 2025
Clinic | Key Features | Cost | Notable Strengths |
Male Excel (#1) | • Board-certified, ABHRT-trained team • Comprehensive 5-hormone testing • Proprietary Excel Advantage™ protocol • 90-day money-back guarantee • US-made bioidentical hormones | Premium | 96% success rate across 100,000+ patients |
FountainTRT | • 24/7 text communication with medical team • Specialists exclusively for hormone therapy • Simple process for patients | $199/month | Excellent ongoing support |
PeterMD | • 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews (90% five-star) • Military and first responder discounts • Injectable testosterone and enclomiphene options | Starting at $99/month | Affordable entry point |
Defy Medical | • Services for both men and women • Extensive lab panels including thyroid and DHEA • Strong focus on patient education | – | Expert-level hormone management |
Hone Health | • Premium membership • Comprehensive wellness testing | $149/month + $28–60/month medications Annual: $1,884–$2,600 | – |
TRT Nation (Special Mention) | • Nationwide coverage • Traditional and alternative options • Works with state-licensed pharmacies | Competitive | – |
Why they're #1: 96% success rate across over 100,000 patients
- Board-certified, ABHRT-trained medical team led by Dr. Peter Fotinos
- Comprehensive 5-hormone testing
- Proprietary Excel Advantage™ protocol with daily micro-dosing
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- US-made bioidentical hormones from licensed pharmacies
Male Excel combines medical excellence with patient-centered care.
2. FountainTRT
- 24/7 text communication with the medical team
- Specialists exclusively focused on hormone therapy
- Monthly cost is around $199 with excellent ongoing support
- A simple process for patients
3. PeterMD
- 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews (90% five-star ratings)
- Starting price of $99/month
- Military and first responder discounts
- Options for injectable testosterone and enclomiphene
4. Defy Medical
Defy Medical (Instagram: @defymedical, Facebook: Defy Medical)
- Comprehensive services for both men and women
- Extensive lab panels including thyroid and DHEA
- Strong focus on patient education
- Expert-level hormone management
5. Hone Health
Hone Health (Instagram: @honehealth, Facebook: Hone Health)
A Note on Insurance: Hone Health does not accept major insurance plans for its services, meaning all costs are out-of-pocket.
Actual Costs:
- The premium membership is $149/month, with medications costing an additional $28–$60 per month. There is also an initial lab fee of $60. This brings the annual total to between $1,884 and $2,600.
- Compare this to traditional insurance-covered TRT, which can range from $134–$781 per year. While Hone offers extensive wellness testing, its pricing may be high for those who only need basic TRT.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Prescribing without comprehensive bloodwork
- Skipping a thorough medical history review
- Making unrealistic promises or downplaying risks
- Hidden fees or significantly marked-up medications
- Lack of structured follow-up monitoring
- No qualified physician oversight
These shortcuts put your health at risk [2].
Decision Matrix: Finding Your Best Match
Your Priority | Best Clinic Option | Why |
Comprehensive medical oversight | Male Excel, Defy Medical | Board-certified physicians, ABHRT training |
Budget-conscious ($99–120/month) | PeterMD, TRT Nation | Transparent pricing with minimal extras |
Maximum convenience | FountainTRT | 24/7 text access, simple process |
Fertility preservation | PeterMD | Enclomiphene options and fertility counseling |
Results guarantee | Male Excel | 90-day money-back guarantee |
Making Your Final Decision
- Schedule consultations with 2–3 top choices from this guide.
- Prepare specific questions about their protocols and monitoring.
- Get clear written explanations of pricing and what is included.
- Understand the administration method each clinic specializes in.
- Discuss your fertility goals and health risk factors.
The right TRT clinic should be a partner in your health.
Step-by-Step Patient Process: Top 3 Clinics
So, what does it actually look like to sign up? Here is a breakdown of the typical process.

1. Male Excel
- Initial Process: Free online assessment
- Lab Work: At-home blood spot test kit (finger-prick sample) as standard
- Medical Consultation: One-on-one video call or messaging with an assigned provider
- Timeline: 2–3 weeks from sign-up to first medication shipment
- Treatment: Daily micro-dosing cream protocol
2. FountainTRT (Instagram: @fountaintrx, Facebook: FountainTRT)
- Initial Process: Paid Online assessment through the website
- Lab Work: Local partner labs (Quest, LabCorp) for in-person blood draw
- Medical Consultation: Video call consultation 2–3 days after lab results
- Timeline: 2–3 weeks total process time
- Follow-up: New labs are required every 90 days
3. PeterMD (Instagram: @petermd, Facebook: PeterMD)
- Initial Process: Paid Online intake assessment
- Lab Work: Choice between an at-home collection kit or a local lab
- Medical Consultation: Video call or phone call (varies by provider)
- Timeline: 2–3 weeks from intake to first shipment
- Treatment: Injectable testosterone and enclomiphene options
TRT Administration Methods: What You Need to Know
Understanding different TRT delivery methods helps you choose what fits your lifestyle and goals (learn more about delivery options from Men’s Health):
Method | Pros | Cons | Cost | Best For |
Daily Micro-dosing Cream | Mimics natural testosterone rhythms, no injections, steady hormone levels, easy application | Higher cost, skin transfer risk, contact precautions required | $200–$600/month | Those avoiding injections who prioritize steady levels |
Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Injections | Most affordable, effective, less frequent dosing, strong clinical track record | Hormone level fluctuations, injection discomfort, requires training | $40–$100/month | Budget-conscious patients comfortable with injections |
Gels | Daily application, steady absorption, customizable dosing | Transfer risk, skin irritation, higher cost, daily compliance required | $100–$450/month | Those wanting topical application without injection training |
Enclomiphene | Oral administration, stimulates natural production, preserves fertility, no transfer risk | Not FDA-approved for male testosterone deficiency, limited research | – | Men prioritizing fertility preservation |
Health Risks and Monitoring Protocols
Common Side Effects
Short-term risks:
- Acne and oily skin
- Increased red blood cell count
- Swelling and breast enlargement
- Decreased sperm production
Long-term risks:
- Potential prostate growth stimulation
- Worsening sleep apnea
- Permanent fertility reduction
- Increased blood clot risk [1]
Key Health Considerations
Health Area | TRT Effects | Monitoring Required |
Cholesterol | May reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides | Lipid panels every 3–6 months |
Red Blood Cells | Can elevate counts significantly | CBC monitoring for polycythemia |
Prostate | May stimulate growth | PSA testing every 3–6 months |
Fertility | Significantly reduces sperm production | Fertility counseling before starting |
Clinic-Specific Monitoring
Male Excel: Comprehensive 5-hormone testing with fertility preservation counseling for younger patients
PeterMD: Emphasis on fertility preservation options and adjunct therapies like hCG
Defy Medical: Individualized protocols with fertility preservation and adjunct therapy options
All reputable clinics employ early detection strategies, dose modifications, and adjunct medications to mitigate side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an online doctor prescribe TRT?
Yes, licensed physicians can legally prescribe TRT through telemedicine in most states. Some states have restrictions that may require an initial in-person visit [3][4].
What is the best TRT on the market?
The best TRT treatment is one that is individualized to your biology. Bioidentical testosterone administered via injection, gel, or cream is the medical standard. The delivery method depends on your lifestyle, goals, and response.
Where is the safest place to buy TRT?
The only safe source is through a licensed physician and pharmacy. Legal TRT requires a prescription based on medical necessity confirmed through lab testing. Clinics like Male Excel partner with licensed U.S. pharmacies [5].