Ulo wants to help men get their edge back with TRT
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Thinning hair, plummeting energy, and a dwindling sex drive. It's not exactly the future most men imagine for themselves, but for many, it becomes their reality.
Society often submits to the idea that aging robs us of physical strength and mental vitality, but what if some of those effects weren't irreversible? Maybe it's not about turning back the clock, but about optimizing health regardless of age. That's what companies like Ulo are trying to make possible with Testosterone Replacement Therapy.
As endocrinologists shine light on age-related testosterone decline, interest in TRT has surged. Clinically known as Andropause and sometimes, on social media as 'Manopause,' the natural decline typically occurs when men reach their late 30s or 40s, causing some to experience symptoms like hair loss, lowered libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.
'Men are tired of feeling off and being told it's just aging or stress. They're realizing it's not normal to feel constantly exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally flat at 35 or 45,' shared Deep Patel, the co-founder of Ulo, a telehealth startup that recently launched into the TRT space. 'It's like the male version of menopause, except no one acknowledged it until recently.'
Doctors typically recommend that men with these symptoms also take a blood test to determine if their levels are abnormally low. Normal testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. But low testosterone — also known as hypogonadism — is far from rare. Nearly 39% of men aged 45 years and older have low testosterone.
As with many other experts in the space, Patel believes that 'Low T' is even more widespread than society realizes. 'It's not just guys over 50. More and more men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are dealing with low T. A lot of it comes from stress, lack of sleep, diet, or genetics.'
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Prescribing TRT online is still a relatively uncharted territory, but some companies are trying to change that. Ulo is among the first to build a site that offers a TRT program with a personalized approach to treatment.
'When we built Ulo, our aim was to help men take back control of their health, especially in commonly overlooked areas such as hormones and hair loss. And when you look at those areas, TRT is an obvious solution,' explained Patel, who co-founded the company with Rob English.
Ulo first launched with a focus on everyday men's health concerns, such as hair loss prevention and regrowth. For Patel and English, stepping into the TRT space was part of a natural evolution, especially after they witnessed the powerful impact this kind of treatment had on the people around them.
'I watched friends lose their hair way too young and struggle in silence,' Patel recounted. 'But, I also noticed a deeper issue. A lot of them also felt drained, mentally foggy, and unmotivated. Turns out, in addition to hair concerns, a lot of them were facing low testosterone.'
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Even after optimizing for sleep, diet, and physical activity, their low testosterone was still impacting their everyday lives. But once they got treated, everything shifted.
After Patel began looking into TRT, he came across another alarming statistic. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology revealed that testosterone levels in American men have dropped about 1% per year since the 1980s. That's when he realized we were in the midst of what he calls 'a silent epidemic.'
Emerging research has shown that TRT could be one of the most effective, clinically backed treatments for men with low testosterone levels. Another survey, published in 2019, found that 52% of men claimed testosterone improved their energy, 42% saw improvements in libido, and 29% reported muscle growth.
The benefits of TRT are clear, but many people don't know how to get a testosterone prescription or where to go for safe, high-quality treatment. With Ulo, Patel and his team wanted to make TRT more accessible than ever before.
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Ulo
At Ulo, it costs as low as $159 a month to get started with a prescription — and you could have a customized testosterone treatment within a week, without spending any time in a clinic.
The process is simple. First, men take a blood test and schedule a consultation with one of Ulo's Doctors. The physician will then examine lab results, symptoms, and medical history before determining if they should receive a prescription. From there, they'll create a customized treatment plan.
According to Patel, injections are the most common and effective type of treatment, but Ulo still offers other forms for anyone with strong preferences, including gels and creams. Once everything is cleared, the treatment is shipped directly to their front door.
Patel says that most men start noticing changes after a few weeks have passed. 'Heightened energy, mental clarity, better sleep, and an increase in libido are usually the first things you'll notice. After two to three months have passed, you'll start to notice changes in body composition.'
He noted that men have also noticed they can build muscle more easily; similarly, many find they are now able to get rid of fat that seemed immovable. In tandem with these changes, participants often experience an increase in confidence.
'The most common side effects include acne, water retention, or elevated red blood cell counts,
which can thicken your blood. Some men experience testicular shrinkage or reduced fertility,' he explained, also noting cardiovascular risks for certain populations.
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Currently, TRT is only FDA-approved for specific conditions, like hypogonadism or diminished functional activity of the gonads. Earlier this year, the FDA also issued class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products, including warnings on increased blood pressure as a potential side effect.
Patel explained that the biggest mistake people make is doing TRT without medical guidance or buying unregulated medication online. His advice is to work with a legitimate provider who looks at bloodwork and adjusts the protocol based on how your body specifically responds.
'At Ulo, we take the time to assess whether TRT is the right choice for you,' he said. 'We don't rush people into treatment. We're not a marketing brand in the guise of a clinic. We're a bona fide telehealth platform built from the ground up to give men the long-term support they require.'
Patel believes that when administered correctly, TRT can have a profound impact on men's physical, mental, and emotional health. Ulo's mission is simple: To make the process safe, efficient, and transparent from day one through every single dose.
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Q&A with Deep Patel at Ulo
The New York Post spoke with Deep Patel to clear up some frequently asked questions regarding Testosterone Replacement Therapy offered at Ulo.
What does Ulo's TRT program include?
At Ulo, we offer a full-service program that includes comprehensive blood work, one-on-one consultations with licensed physicians, prescriptions, custom treatment plans, and regular follow-ups. The process is crafted to be efficient and transparent from start to finish. Best of all, you won't have to spend time in labs and clinics.
Who oversees the treatment?
A licensed, U.S.-based physician oversees every treatment plan at Ulo. Our doctors are specialists in hormone optimization and men's health. They're not just checking a box. Before making decisions, they examine your lab results, symptoms, and medical history. When you join Ulo, you can rest assured that you're getting genuine individualized medical supervision as opposed to a one-size-fits-all program.
How do you personalize dosage or adjust the protocol over time?
We rely on data and feedback from the men. Your physician will examine your blood work and any changes in symptoms, and will ask how you're feeling in general. If something seems off or if you're not progressing as expected, the team at Ulo will make adjustments to dosage, frequency, or support meds. Everything can be fine-tuned. The goal is to ensure you feel your best.
How is TRT administered?
Injections are the most common and reliable method, typically once or twice a week. Some guys use creams or gels, but those can be inconsistent in how they absorb, and there's a risk of transferring to partners or kids. Injections might sound intense, but once you're used to them, it takes less than a minute. Most men do it themselves at home with tiny insulin needles.
Will TRT affect fertility?
Yeah, it can, especially if you're not using anything to counteract it. TRT significantly suppresses natural testosterone production, which can also reduce sperm production. But if fertility matters to you, there are medications like HCG or enclomiphene that can be taken alongside TRT to preserve it. In a 2021 study, over 90% of men maintained normal sperm counts when using these fertility-preserving medications with TRT. Just make sure your provider knows that's a priority from the beginning.
How often is blood work required, and is it included in the program cost?
Blood work is included in the program cost. The first lab takes place before your initial consultation with the doctor. A second lab is done 30 days after treatment begins to help prepare for your 45-day follow-up. After that, labs are required every quarter and are paired with a live consultation to make sure your treatment stays safe, effective, and personalized.
How is the cost for the TRT plan broken up?
We ensure pricing is simple, offering a flat monthly rate that includes physician oversight, medication, lab testing, and access to your care team. No surprise bills or upsells. Our program is significantly more affordable than most in-person clinics. And we never compromise on the quality of care.
Is TRT covered by insurance through Ulo?
Most insurance plans won't cover TRT unless your levels are extraordinarily clinically deficient. Currently, Ulo operates outside of insurance. That gives us the flexibility to treat based on how someone feels. At Ulo, you're never just a box to tick or a chart to fill in. Our approach is proactive, not reactive.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
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