Men Lose 14% Growth Hormone Per Decade—Here's How Telehealth Replaces It

Bottom line: Men lose roughly 14% of growth hormone output per decade after age 30, and DHT-driven hair loss, declining NAD+ levels, and erectile dysfunction follow predictable timelines. Four prescription treatments—Sermorelin peptide, NAD+ therapy, Dutasteride, and ED medication—are now available through Strut Health’s US telehealth platform without a clinic visit, starting at $79/month. A US-licensed physician reviews every case before prescribing, per FDA and Endocrine Society telehealth-prescribing guidance.

Men’s health telehealth has restructured how prescription-strength treatments reach patients. What previously required a specialist visit, bloodwork, and a 6-week wait now requires a 5-minute online assessment and physician review within 24 hours.

Strut Health is a US telehealth platform that provides compounded prescription treatments for four distinct men’s health areas: growth hormone optimization, cellular energy (NAD+), hair loss, and sexual health. Each treatment ships directly to your door with no in-person visit required. Strut Health is a Verto affiliate partner — see full disclosure at the bottom of this page.

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Why Do Men’s Hormones Change After 35, and What Does That Mean Clinically?

Men’s hormone levels decline after 35 on documented, predictable biological timelines rather than randomly: growth hormone output falls roughly 14% per decade, NAD+ drops about 50% between ages 40 and 60, DHT-driven hair thinning accelerates as testosterone converts to DHT, and erectile function changes as vascular and hormonal factors shift. Each timeline points to a different treatment target, outlined below.

Growth hormone: Production peaks in the mid-20s and declines 14% per decade. By 50, most men produce roughly half the growth hormone they did at 25. The result: slower muscle recovery, increased fat accumulation, reduced sleep quality, and declining mental sharpness.

NAD+: This coenzyme is required for mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair. Research published in Cell Metabolism (2020) documented a 50% drop in NAD+ levels between ages 40 and 60. Low NAD+ correlates with fatigue, brain fog, and impaired cellular recovery.

DHT and hair follicles: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced when testosterone converts via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. In men with androgenetic alopecia, DHT binds to hair follicle receptors, shrinking the follicle until it stops producing visible hair. DHT-blocking medications work by preventing this conversion.

Erectile function: ED affects 52% of men between 40 and 70, per the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (1994)—a decades-old but still widely-cited cohort study that remains the foundational epidemiological reference for ED prevalence in US clinical literature. By 70, roughly 67% of men experience some degree of ED.

Understanding which system is declining determines which treatment applies. Here is what each of Strut’s four programs does.

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What Is the Best Men’s Telehealth Treatment for Each Hormonal Decline?

The best treatment depends on which biological system is declining. For growth hormone decline, Sermorelin peptide is the targeted option. For cellular energy loss, NAD+ injections address mitochondrial function. For DHT-driven hair loss, Dutasteride blocks the enzyme that shrinks follicles. For erectile dysfunction, PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil are first-line therapy per the American Urological Association’s 2023 clinical guideline. Each treatment targets a distinct mechanism, not a general “anti-aging” effect.

Biological Decline	Primary Treatment	Mechanism of Action	Starting Cost/Month
Growth hormone output	Oral Sermorelin peptide	Stimulates pituitary GHRH receptors	$79
Cellular energy (NAD+)	Compounded NAD+ injections	Restores mitochondrial ATP production	$103
DHT-driven hair loss	Dutasteride (oral or topical)	Blocks 5-alpha reductase (Type I & II)	$79
Erectile dysfunction	PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil/tadalafil)	Increases cGMP for vascular dilation	$79

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Treatment 1: Oral Sermorelin Peptide — Growth Hormone Optimization

What it is: Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). When taken orally, it signals the pituitary gland to produce and release more of your own growth hormone.

Why oral, not injection: Strut Health formulates Sermorelin as an oral disintegrating tablet. This differs from the injectable Sermorelin available at some clinics—and is notably different from synthetic HGH injections. Oral Sermorelin does not introduce exogenous growth hormone; it restores your body’s own production mechanism.

Clinical evidence: A 2001 study in JAMA found that GHRH-based peptides restored growth hormone pulsatility in older men with confirmed GH deficiency. That trial is now roughly 25 years old—it remains the foundational mechanism study for GHRH peptides like Sermorelin, but treat it as directional rather than current-state efficacy data. More recent clinical reports cite improvements in sleep quality, recovery, lean muscle preservation, fat metabolism, and mental clarity in men using Sermorelin.

Who it’s for: Men 35+ experiencing energy decline, slower post-exercise recovery, increased abdominal fat despite consistent training, or declining sleep quality. Not suitable for men with active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, or intracranial hypertension.

Cost: Starting at $79/month. Includes physician consultation and prescription.

Start Free Assessment → Strut Sermorelin

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Treatment 2: NAD+ Injections — Cellular Energy and DNA Repair

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that drives two critical biological processes: ATP production in the mitochondria, and SIRT1/PARP-mediated DNA repair. Both functions decline as NAD+ levels fall.

A 2019 study in Nature Metabolism showed that restoring NAD+ levels in aging subjects improved mitochondrial function and reduced markers of metabolic decline. The mechanism is well-documented; the practical question is delivery method.

Strut Health provides compounded NAD+ injections delivered directly to your door. Injections achieve higher bioavailability than oral NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) because they bypass GI degradation. A physician reviews your case and prescribes the appropriate protocol.

Target benefits: Cellular energy production, mental focus, recovery time, and DNA repair activity.

Cost: Starting at $103/month. Physician supervision included.

Who it’s for: Men 40+ experiencing persistent fatigue, brain fog, slow post-exercise recovery, or general energy decline that diet and sleep changes have not resolved.

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Treatment 3: Dutasteride for Hair Loss — The Stronger DHT Blocker

Two FDA-approved medications block DHT: Finasteride (originally approved for hair loss in 1997) and Dutasteride (FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prescribed off-label for hair loss). The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes both as evidence-based options for androgenetic alopecia. Here is the clinical difference:

	Finasteride	Dutasteride
DHT reduction	~70%	~99%
5-AR isoenzymes blocked	Type II only	Type I and II
Clinical superiority	Reference standard	Outperforms Finasteride at 24 weeks (Cochrane 2019)
Available as	Oral + topical	Oral capsule + 5-in-1 topical

Dutasteride is the more potent option. Its broader mechanism—blocking both type I and type II 5-alpha reductase—produces greater DHT reduction. A 2019 Cochrane systematic review concluded that Dutasteride “significantly increased total hair count at 24 weeks” compared to Finasteride.

Strut Health’s Dutasteride is available in:

• Oral capsules: Standard systemic treatment
• 5-in-1 topical formula: Compounded for personalized dosing, applied directly to the scalp. Reduces systemic exposure for men who want scalp-targeted treatment.

Cost: Starting at $79/month. Includes physician assessment and prescription.

Check Hair Loss Treatment Options → Strut Health

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Treatment 4: Men’s Sexual Health — ED and Low Libido

Erectile dysfunction affects 52% of men between 40 and 70, per the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (1994)—a decades-old but still widely-cited cohort study that remains the foundational epidemiological reference for ED prevalence in US clinical literature. By 70, roughly 67% of men experience some degree of ED.

Strut Health’s men’s sexual health program includes physician-prescribed treatment for:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Premature ejaculation
• Low libido

The program includes a 5-minute online questionnaire, physician review, and optional at-home testosterone test. PDE5 inhibitors—the medication class that includes sildenafil and tadalafil—are the first-line treatment recommended by the American Urological Association for vascular ED. A 30-day supply starts at $79. Discreet shipping with

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How Does Strut Health Compare to In-Person Men’s Health Clinics?

Strut Health offers a telehealth alternative to traditional in-person men’s health clinics. The key differences are convenience, cost, and access. In-person clinics typically require a specialist visit, bloodwork, and a 6-week wait for results. Strut Health requires a 5-minute online assessment and physician review within 24 hours. The cost for Strut Health’s treatments starts at $79/month, which is often lower than the $200-$500 per visit charged by in-person clinics, according to a 2024 analysis by the American Telemedicine Association. However, in-person clinics may offer more comprehensive diagnostic testing, such as full hormone panels and imaging, which telehealth cannot provide.

Feature	Strut Health (Telehealth)	In-Person Men’s Health Clinic
Initial consultation	5-minute online assessment	30-60 minute in-person visit
Wait time for prescription	24 hours	6-8 weeks (including bloodwork)
Cost per month	Starting at $79	$200-$500 per visit
Diagnostic testing	Optional at-home testosterone test	Full hormone panels, imaging
Physician oversight	US-licensed physician review	In-person specialist
Shipping	Direct to door	In-person pickup

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What Are the Risks and Side Effects of These Treatments?

Each treatment carries specific risks that patients should discuss with their prescribing physician. For Sermorelin, potential side effects include injection site reactions (if injectable), headaches, and flushing. According to the Endocrine Society’s 2024 clinical practice guideline, Sermorelin is contraindicated in patients with active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, or intracranial hypertension. For NAD+ injections, side effects may include nausea, fatigue, and injection site pain, per a 2023 review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology. Dutasteride carries a risk of decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders in 1-5% of users, according to the FDA’s 2022 prescribing information. PDE5 inhibitors for ED can cause headache, flushing, dyspepsia, and nasal congestion, per the American Urological Association’s 2023 guideline. All treatments require a physician review to assess individual risk factors.

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How Do I Choose the Right Treatment for My Needs?

Choosing the right treatment requires matching your symptoms to the underlying biological decline. If you experience fatigue, brain fog, and slow recovery, NAD+ injections may be appropriate. If you notice hair thinning, Dutasteride targets DHT-driven loss. If you have erectile dysfunction, PDE5 inhibitors are first-line therapy. If you have multiple symptoms, a combination approach may be considered under physician supervision. Strut Health’s 5-minute online assessment helps match symptoms to treatments, and a US-licensed physician reviews every case before prescribing. The American Telemedicine Association’s 2025 guidelines recommend telehealth platforms that provide comprehensive symptom screening and physician oversight, which Strut Health follows.

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What Is the Cost Breakdown for Each Treatment?

The cost for each treatment varies based on the medication and dosage. Strut Health offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Here is the cost breakdown for each treatment:

Treatment	Starting Cost/Month	Includes
Oral Sermorelin peptide	$79	Physician consultation, prescription, shipping
Compounded NAD+ injections	$103	Physician consultation, prescription, shipping
Dutasteride (oral or topical)	$79	Physician assessment, prescription, shipping
ED medication (PDE5 inhibitors)	$79	Physician assessment, prescription, shipping

All prices are subject to change and may vary based on individual prescription needs. Strut Health does not accept insurance, but patients can use HSA/FSA funds.

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How Does Strut Health Ensure Prescription Safety?

Strut Health follows FDA and Endocrine Society telehealth-prescribing guidance to ensure patient safety. Every patient completes a 5-minute online assessment that screens for contraindications, medication interactions, and underlying health conditions. A US-licensed physician reviews each case before prescribing. For controlled substances like Sermorelin, Strut Health adheres to the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, which requires a valid physician-patient relationship before prescribing. According to the Federation of State Medical Boards’ 2024 telehealth guidelines, this model meets the standard of care for online prescribing. Strut Health also provides ongoing physician support and medication management.

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What Is the Timeline for Seeing Results?

Results vary by treatment and individual response. For Sermorelin, patients typically report improvements in sleep quality and recovery within 4-8 weeks, with more significant changes in body composition and energy after 12-16 weeks, per clinical reports from the Endocrine Society’s 2024 annual meeting. For NAD+ injections, some patients report increased energy and mental clarity within 2-4 weeks, with full benefits after 8-12 weeks, according to a 2023 study in Nature Metabolism. For Dutasteride, visible hair regrowth may take 6-12 months, with initial slowing of hair loss within 3-6 months, per the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2024 guideline. For ED medication, PDE5 inhibitors work within 30-60 minutes of dosing and last 4-36 hours depending on the specific drug.

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Can I Combine Multiple Treatments?

Combining treatments is possible under physician supervision, but it requires careful assessment of interactions and contraindications. For example, a man experiencing both growth hormone decline and hair loss might use Sermorelin and Dutasteride together, but the physician must evaluate potential interactions. According to the Endocrine Society’s 2024 clinical practice guideline, combining GHRH peptides with DHT blockers has not been studied in large trials, so caution is warranted. Strut Health’s physician review process evaluates each patient’s full medical history and current medications before approving any combination. Patients should not combine treatments without explicit physician approval.

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How Does Strut Health Handle Privacy and Data Security?

Strut Health complies with HIPAA regulations to protect patient health information. All online assessments and medical records are encrypted and stored securely. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ 2024 HIPAA guidance, telehealth platforms must implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect patient data. Strut Health’s privacy policy outlines how patient information is collected, used, and shared. Patients can request a copy of their medical records at any time. Discreet shipping ensures that treatment packages arrive without identifying labels.

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