← Back to JournalTRT

TRT: What to Know Before Starting Testosterone Therapy

April 2026·5 min read

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a prescription treatment for men whose blood work confirms low testosterone. Labs come first, a licensed clinician decides, and many people who ask about TRT are not prescribed it.

What are common signs of low testosterone?

Low testosterone tends to show up slowly. Men often notice some of these:

  • Low energy or fatigue that sleep does not fix
  • Lower sex drive or erection changes
  • Low mood or irritability
  • Loss of muscle or more body fat
  • Trouble concentrating

None of these prove low testosterone. Thyroid problems, poor sleep, sleep apnea, depression, medications and alcohol can cause the same symptoms. That is why blood work matters.

Why do labs come first?

A clinician needs to see your testosterone level, usually from a morning blood draw, and other markers they choose, such as a blood count. Through VevaMD, you get an at-home collection kit before your first visit. Read more in do I need labs for TRT.

Who should be careful with TRT?

Testosterone is not right for everyone. Tell your clinician if you want children soon, have a history of prostate or breast cancer, have a high blood count, untreated sleep apnea, heart disease or blood clots. Testosterone lowers sperm production, so fertility plans come up early.

How does TRT work with VevaMD?

You complete an online intake, do an at-home lab kit, then meet a licensed clinician by live video. If testosterone is right for you, your prescription ships from a US pharmacy. Available in 30 states plus DC. Your intake confirms availability for your address. Step by step: how telehealth TRT works.

TRT through VevaMD is from $129/mo. $387 every 3 months ($129/mo), with medication, labs and visits included. Or $149/mo plus a one-time $99 labs and first doctor visit fee. No minimum term; cancel anytime. See the TRT page for details.

VevaMD is a technology company, not a medical provider. Licensed clinicians in the Beluga Health network review every intake and decide whether a prescription is right for you.

Learn more on the TRT page, or get started with a private intake.

VevaMD is a technology company, not a medical provider. Educational content only, not medical advice. A licensed clinician decides whether any treatment is right for you. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance.

Quick answers

Who is testosterone therapy for?
Men with symptoms of low testosterone whose blood work confirms low levels, and who have no reason it would be unsafe. A licensed clinician makes that call after labs and a live video visit.
Is testosterone a controlled medication?
Yes. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance, so it needs a live video visit with a licensed clinician and is only available in certain states.

Care near you

Online care in all 50 states

There is no office to visit. A clinician licensed in your state reviews your health answers and decides if treatment is right for you.

Do I need a clinic near me?
No. The visit is online. You answer a short health assessment, and a clinician licensed in your state reviews it. They may follow up by message or video.
Who prescribes?
A licensed clinician in the Beluga Health network decides if treatment is right for you. VevaMD is a technology and marketing company, not a medical provider.
How does medication get to me?
If a clinician prescribes it, it is prepared by a licensed pharmacy and shipped to your home.

Questions about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Get started →

A private online intake. A licensed clinician reviews it and decides.

VevaMD is a technology platform, not a medical provider. The information in this article is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Licensed clinicians in the Beluga Health network review every intake and write any prescription. Individual results vary.