Hone Health Testosterone Cypionate (TRT)vsHims Testosterone Support

Testosterone cypionate is an esterified form of testosterone injected into muscle or subcutaneous fat, where it slowly releases into the bloodstream over days. It directly replaces the hormone your body isn't making enough of, restoring serum testosterone into a therapeutic range. Because the brain senses adequate testosterone, it dials down its own LH/FSH signal — which is why TRT suppresses natural production and sperm output.

The active ingredient is enclomiphene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, which the brain interprets as "estrogen is low." In response, the pituitary releases more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), signaling the testicles to produce more of their own testosterone and to keep making sperm. This is fundamentally different from traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which adds testosterone from outside the body and can shut down the body's own production and reduce sperm counts. Hims sometimes bundles enclomiphene with supporting nutrients (such as zinc and B-vitamins) and, for eligible men, tadalafil for erectile function, but enclomiphene is the workhorse of the formula.

Injectable testosterone is FDA-approved and the most established TRT modality. Endocrine Society guidelines support testosterone therapy for men with consistent symptoms and unequivocally low morning testosterone, with documented improvements in libido, energy, mood, and lean mass. Efficacy at relieving hypogonadal symptoms is well established; treatment requires monitoring because it suppresses fertility and can raise red blood cell counts.

Enclomiphene has a credible clinical track record for secondary hypogonadism. In a 2014 randomized Phase II trial published in Fertility and Sterility (124 men with morning testosterone below 250 ng/dL), enclomiphene at 12.5 mg and 25 mg raised morning testosterone, LH, and FSH to levels comparable with 1% topical testosterone gel, while conserving sperm counts. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials (819 men) found SERM therapy increased total testosterone by a mean of about 274 ng/dL versus placebo (95% CI ~192-356 ng/dL), with LH up ~4.7 IU/L and FSH up ~4.6 IU/L, and no significant difference in testosterone versus testosterone gel. Crucially, unlike testosterone gel (which in Phase III data reduced sperm density by roughly 33-57%), enclomiphene caused only minimal change in sperm density (about 12-15%), preserving fertility. Important caveat: despite this data, enclomiphene's new-drug application (Androxal) received an FDA Complete Response Letter in December 2015 requesting additional Phase 3 work, and development was discontinued for all indications in 2021, so it is not an FDA-approved drug.

Common effects include injection-site soreness and acne. Important risks that require monitoring include elevated red blood cell count (polycythemia), suppressed sperm production and potential infertility, testicular shrinkage, and the need for prostate and cardiovascular oversight. This is educational information and not a substitute for medical advice.

Commonly reported side effects of enclomiphene include headache, hot flashes, mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness or sensitivity. Because it works partly by raising estradiol as well as testosterone, some men notice estrogen-related effects. If tadalafil is added, expect possible headache, flushing, indigestion, back or muscle pain, and nasal congestion. Less common but more serious concerns reported with SERMs in this class include visual disturbances (blurring or floaters) and blood-clot risk; vision changes warrant stopping the drug and contacting a clinician. Long-term safety data specific to enclomiphene is limited, and the 2025 meta-analysis explicitly noted its safety endpoints were underpowered, so ongoing monitoring matters. Seek urgent care for chest pain, a sudden vision change, signs of a clot (leg swelling or pain, shortness of breath), or an erection lasting over four hours.

As of 2026, the cypionate medication starts near $28/month depending on dose and frequency, but that's separate from a required physician membership — $135/month (Plus, 8-11 biomarkers) or $155/month (Premium, 40+ biomarkers). The initial diagnostic panel is discounted to roughly $45-$65. The injectable drug may be insurance-covered at a pharmacy, but the membership and program services generally are not.

As of 2026, Hims prices its testosterone program by plan length, paid upfront: roughly $199/month on a 3-month plan, about $139/month on a 5-month plan, and around $99/month on a 10-month plan, which bundles medication, provider check-ins, lab monitoring, and shipping. You typically prepay for the full 3-, 5-, or 10-month term, and these prescription-program charges are generally not refundable. Because enclomiphene is compounded and not FDA-approved, it is essentially never covered by insurance, so expect to pay out of pocket; some men find generic clomiphene or, where appropriate, FDA-approved TRT cheaper through a local prescriber and pharmacy. Lab fees and any office visits outside the bundle can add to the total, and prices change frequently, so confirm current figures directly with Hims.

Adult men with symptoms of low testosterone confirmed by morning blood tests showing low levels. Not appropriate for men with untreated prostate or breast cancer, uncontrolled polycythemia, or those actively trying to conceive. A physician reviews labs and history before prescribing.

This is aimed at adult men with lab-confirmed low testosterone of the secondary (hypogonadotropic) type, meaning the testicles can still work but the brain's hormonal signaling is low or inappropriately normal. It is especially relevant for younger men who want to raise testosterone while preserving fertility, since it does not suppress sperm production the way injected or topical testosterone does. It requires a baseline testosterone test, a licensed provider's review, and a prescription. It is not appropriate for men with primary (testicular failure) hypogonadism, those who only want a "boost" with normal labs, men trying to conceive without medical guidance, or anyone with a hormone-sensitive cancer or significant cardiovascular, liver, or vision conditions. Women, and anyone who is or may become pregnant, must not take it. Always disclose your full history to the prescriber.