Hims Testosterone SupportvsMaximus Enclomiphene Protocol

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.

Enclomiphene is the trans-isomer of clomiphene. It occupies estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus so the brain 'thinks' estrogen is low, which ramps up GnRH and downstream pituitary LH and FSH. That hormonal push tells the testes to make more testosterone naturally — which is why, unlike injected testosterone, it tends to maintain (rather than suppress) sperm production.

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.

Randomized Phase II trials found enclomiphene restored morning total testosterone to levels comparable to topical testosterone gel in men with secondary hypogonadism, while raising LH/FSH and preserving sperm counts. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of SERM therapy reported a mean total-testosterone increase of roughly 274 ng/dL versus placebo. Evidence is solid for short-to-medium-term T restoration; long-term outcome data remain limited.

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.

In clinical studies side effects were generally infrequent and mild — headache, nausea, hot flashes, dizziness, or GI upset. Rarer concerns include mood changes and visual disturbances (a known SERM class effect); any vision change warrants stopping and contacting your clinician. This is educational information, not medical advice.

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.

As of 2026, the enclomiphene-only plan is advertised from $99.99/month on a committed annual plan and $199.99/month month-to-month. Required testosterone lab panels in the first two months run $99.99 each and are billed separately, so realistically budget for medication plus labs in your early months. Compounded medication is generally not insurance-reimbursable.

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.

Adult men with lab-documented low testosterone and intact testicular function (secondary hypogonadism). You must complete bloodwork and a clinician review; men seeking fertility preservation are common candidates. Not appropriate for those with primary testicular failure, certain liver or eye conditions, or men who could be misusing it without monitoring.