Telehealth giant Hims has launched a new service offering testosterone replacement therapy for cisgender men, casting a wide net to test as many men as possible. The move comes as the hormone’s cultural significance grows, with even the Pentagon getting in on the action. But while Hims sees testosterone deficiency as underdiagnosed, others warn of potential side effects and overprescribing.
Urologist Peter Stahl, senior vice president of men’s health at Hims, believes stigma around the condition has led to underdiagnosis, despite recent research suggesting that concerns about cardiovascular risks may have been overstated. The company’s new service includes at-home blood tests and two types of injectable treatments, as well as an oral pill option.
The expansion into testosterone replacement therapy is part of Hims’ ongoing growth and commitment to men’s health. The company started out selling erectile dysfunction medications and has since expanded into women’s health, eventually becoming a publicly traded company serving 2.9 million customers. Offering TRT is a new phase for the health platform, although it will face competition from other online clinics that market the medication as a lifestyle enhancer.
Urologist Mohit Khera sees the potential for telehealth TRT services to expand access, provided they are monitored appropriately. However, he notes that testosterone therapy requires 'synchronous' care, meaning patients must have a video chat with a clinician before getting a prescription and ongoing monitoring. The test uses a Tasso blood collection device, which collects a small sample from the upper arm with microneedles.
Hims hopes that expanding access to hormone testing will persuade men to see a doctor, rather than self-medicating. The company’s expansion comes at a time when online testosterone sales are unregulated, with some platforms offering the medication despite normal hormone levels. Stahl is more conservative, prescribing testosterone only to those with symptoms, rather than as a lifestyle enhancement.
