Telehealth Giant Hims Wants to Test Every Dude for Low Testosterone

Hims, the telehealth giant, has launched a testosterone replacement therapy service specifically for cisgender men. The direct-to-consumer platform will provide two types of injectable treatments, as well as an oral pill option, accessible after a home capillary blood test. Peter Stahl, a senior vice president of men's health at Hims, aims to conduct wide-scale testing of testosterone levels to identify potential deficiencies.

Hims, which originally sold erectile dysfunction medications, has since expanded into women's health and grown into a publicly traded company serving 2.9 million customers since its inception in 2017.

The telehealth company faces stiff competition from other online clinics offering testosterone therapy. Many of these services promote the medication as a means to enhance lifestyle or promote anti-aging benefits. Stahl views testosterone deficiency as an underdiagnosed and misunderstood medical condition, which has been stigmatized in the past due to its association with gym culture. Recent research has challenged the notion that testosterone therapy carries significant cardiovascular risks.

The stigma surrounding testosterone treatment persists, even as a recent survey of 2,000 American men revealed increasing willingness to discuss testosterone therapy among peers. Testosterone is a controlled substance, necessitating synchronous care with a clinician for both initial prescription and ongoing monitoring. While laboratory tests can indicate low testosterone levels, diagnoses are based on a combination of lab results, symptoms, and medical history. Common symptoms of hypogonadism include sexual dysfunction and muscle loss.

Hims will utilize a Tasso blood collection device for patients to send a small blood sample to a lab for analysis. The test evaluates 21 biomarkers, including triglycerides, thyroid hormones, and testosterone. Based on the results, patients may be prescribed injectable testosterone, an oral pill, or another treatment, contingent on their testosterone levels.

Stahl believes that hormone testing can encourage men to seek medical attention. He claims that a 35% increase in overall mortality among men with low testosterone warrants closer examination. Unlike digital clinics that market TRT as an anti-aging solution, Hims will only prescribe the medication to users experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency.