At NutritionNC, we don’t just list ingredients and slap on a star rating. Every product review is built to help you—an ambitious, health-conscious, results-driven adult—make informed decisions about your hormone health.
We’ve created this methodology using expert input, clinical research, and real-world experience to evaluate products in TRT, HRT, GLP-1 weight loss, and other hormonal therapies.
Let’s break down how we do it.
Clinical Effectiveness and Scientific Backing
The foundation of every review is clinical effectiveness. We begin by investigating whether a product has proven its worth in medical literature and patient outcomes—not just marketing claims.
For TRT and HRT programs, we look at how well the treatment raises hormone levels to within a physiologic range (typically 300–1,000 ng/dL for testosterone) and whether patients report relief from hallmark symptoms like fatigue, low libido, poor sleep, or diminished strength. In the case of GLP-1 therapies, we assess average weight-loss outcomes, changes in HbA1c levels, and metabolic improvements seen in clinical trials.
When available, we prioritize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and position statements from major medical bodies like the Endocrine Society, American Urological Association (AUA), or American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). We verify whether the therapeutic effects are dose-dependent, sustainable, and meaningful—not just statistically significant.
We also pay close attention to treatment limitations. For example, while TRT may help men with clinically low testosterone regain energy and libido, it’s not a performance enhancer for men who already fall within a healthy range. That distinction matters.
If there’s no science, it’s not on our list. No exceptions.
Ingredient and Formulation Quality
A testosterone gel with weak absorption tech? A GLP-1 “support” formula with fairy dust dosages? Hard pass.
We assess the form of the hormone or compound (e.g., injectable testosterone cypionate vs. transdermal gel, semaglutide vs. liraglutide) and how well it’s absorbed by the body.
We also look at manufacturing quality: Is the medication produced in a certified compounding pharmacy? Is it stable, shelf-safe, and properly dosed?
Products that hide behind proprietary blends or underdose critical ingredients don’t make our lists. We favor medical-grade options with clear, transparent labeling and delivery systems that actually get the job done.
Symptom Targeting and Patient Fit
A good hormonal therapy should treat more than your lab numbers—it should help you feel better.
We compare what each product claims to fix with the real symptoms our readers struggle with: low energy, brain fog, declining libido, stubborn belly fat, disrupted sleep, and mood swings.
Not every treatment fits every person, so we evaluate whether a program is designed for the right use case—early testosterone decline, post-menopause transition, insulin resistance, or something more niche.
If a product claims to be “for everyone,” it’s probably not great for anyone. We look for therapies that are well-matched to your actual symptoms and hormone profile.
Medical Oversight and Safety Protocols
We don’t review dodgy bootleg hormone shops. Every clinic or product must provide clinical supervision and patient monitoring, especially in long-term hormone therapy. This one’s nonnegotiable.
If a hormone therapy doesn’t come with proper medical supervision, we’re out.
We review whether a program starts with lab testing, whether a licensed provider reviews those results, and whether treatment is personalized accordingly. Is there follow-up testing? Do they track estrogen levels and hematocrit in TRT patients? Are fertility-preserving meds like hCG offered when needed?
We’re especially strict with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. These aren’t casual weight loss pills. They come with risks—like gallbladder issues and nausea—and need to be monitored carefully by clinicians.
Bottom line: hormone therapy without medical oversight is like lifting without a spotter. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Cost Transparency and Value for Money
Price always matters—but value matters more.
We break down every cost involved: consultation fees, lab testing, monthly medications, follow-ups, and whether insurance helps foot the bill.
Likewise, if a brand hides this information behind a paywall or is otherwise untransparent, we consider that in our review and we let you know to look out for it.
We highlight which programs are subscription-based versus pay-as-you-go, and we call out any fine print or hidden fees.
Some premium options charge $250+ per month but offer elite, concierge-level care. Others deliver the basics for $99 flat—and that’s exactly what you get: the basics. We’ll tell you which is which, so you can choose what fits your budget and lifestyle.
If a program is overpriced for what it offers? We say so. If it’s a steal? We’ll say that too.
Convenience and Accessibility
Life is busy. If you can’t fit the treatment into your schedule, it’s not going to work.
We evaluate how easy it is to start treatment—how long onboarding takes, whether you can complete visits virtually, and how fast medications are delivered.
We also look at whether the platform is user-friendly. Can you message your provider? Access your labs? Pause or cancel without a bureaucratic nightmare?
A great therapy that’s hard to follow is still a bad experience. We reward programs that meet you where you are—on your phone, at home, or in between flights.
Personalization and Program Flexibility
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for hormonal issues.
Your therapy should reflect your biology and lifestyle, not some generic protocol.
We look for programs that adjust dosages based on updated labs, allow switching between delivery methods (e.g., from injections to gels), and consider lifestyle factors like travel, fertility goals, or workout routines. Clinics that offer more than testosterone—like estrogen control, hCG, thyroid support, or coaching—score higher in flexibility.
The best programs evolve with you. They don’t lock you into a rigid system that only works for three months before becoming a chore.
User Experience and Testimonials
No review is complete without diving into the patient experience. Real people, real stories, real results.
We dig into user reviews, patient testimonials, and third-party forums to understand what clients actually experience.
Did their energy improve? Are they sleeping better? How’s their libido, focus, or strength in the gym? Are they happy with the support and follow-up care?
We read between the lines—watching for complaints about poor communication, hard-to-reach doctors, or unexpected costs.
And when a clinic has dozens of people saying, “This changed my life”? We take that seriously.
Our readers deserve proof, not promises.
Red Flags and Deal-Breakers
We don’t just highlight what works. We warn you about what doesn’t. And some products are simply ruled out immediately.
If a clinic offers hormone therapy without requiring blood work, we won’t touch it. If a product promises to “boost testosterone 300% in 10 days” without independent, third-party clinical data, it’s gone. And if a treatment pushes you into steroid-level dosing under the guise of “optimization,” we call it what it is: enhancement, not replacement.
You won’t find scams, shortcuts, or influencer-fueled hype on our site. Just real, responsible options that are safe, legal, and medically sound.
If a clinic is pitching muscle gain over health, we send it straight to the bench.
Staying Current With Research and Updates
Hormonal medicine is evolving fast—and we make it our responsibility to stay ahead of the curve.
Every review on NutritionNC is audited quarterly to reflect the latest clinical research, regulatory changes, and product updates. To the best of our ability, we monitor changes in FDA guidance, new studies in endocrine journals, shifts in insurance coverage, and emerging best practices from top hormone clinics.
When a product formula changes, a clinic updates its pricing model, or a new delivery method gains FDA approval—we go back and revise our reviews accordingly. If a therapy falls behind on safety, transparency, or clinical effectiveness, we update our ratings or remove the recommendation entirely.
Our readers rely on us to be current, not just credible. That means no outdated data, no “top 10” lists frozen in time, and no lazy copy-paste content.
When you’re putting hormones into your body, you deserve the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Note: While we can’t always literally buy and test every HRT, TRT, or other product on our own bodies, we cover every step up to that point. If we do have personal experience with a particular hormone therapy, you can bet we’ll share it.
Final Verdict
Each review ends with a verdict tailored to different user types. We’ll tell you who this product is best for, what stage of hormone imbalance it treats, and whether it’s better for beginners, budget-conscious users, or advanced biohackers.
We also recommend alternatives if the product doesn’t meet our full standard. Because when it comes to hormones, you don’t need hype. You need honesty.