Hers, a telehealth platform under the Hims & Hers Health umbrella, has gained significant traction for its accessible approach to various health needs, including hair loss, sexual health, and mental health support. As the telehealth industry continues to expand, Hers has broadened its services to include weight loss programs, primarily focusing on prescription medications, notably its compounded semaglutide GLP-1 medication. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hers’ weight loss services, the medications offered, and what potential users can expect.
Hers' Services: A Broad Overview
Hers offers a range of services, each designed to address specific health concerns. These include:
- Hair Care: Addressing hair loss concerns with personalized treatments.
- Birth Control: Providing convenient access to birth control options.
- Skincare: Offering solutions for acne and other skin conditions.
- Mental Health: Providing access to psychiatry services and prescription medications for anxiety and depression.
- Weight Management: Utilizing prescription medications, including GLP-1s, to aid in weight loss.
Mental Health Services
Hers has modified its mental health offerings, transitioning from ongoing talk therapy with licensed counselors to psychiatry services. Users can discuss their mental health concerns through the app and, if deemed appropriate, receive prescription medications. It's important to note that face-to-face consultations are not part of this service.
Hers clinicians generally do not prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax or Adderall. However, they may prescribe prescription-only medications for anxiety or depression, including:
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Buspirone (BuSpar)
The platform also offers compounded anxiety and depression medications combined with herbal supplements, though these are not FDA-approved.
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Hers Weight Loss Program: Medications and Costs
Hers provides a variety of FDA-approved GLP-1 injections, including:
- Ozempic: $1,799 per month
- Wegovy: $1,350 per month
- Mounjaro: $1,899 per month
- Zepbound: $1,899 per month
- Generic liraglutide: from $299 per month
In addition to these, Hers offers compounded GLP-1 drugs at a lower cost. It's crucial to recognize that these compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and may carry significant health risks related to safety, effectiveness, and quality.
Hers notes that actual medication prices may vary based on the chosen subscription. Lower prices may be contingent on committing to a 6- or 12-month subscription, while monthly billing may incur higher costs.
Getting Started with Hers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hers streamlines the process of accessing health services through its platform:
- Create Your Profile: The first step involves setting up a profile on Hers' encrypted data platform. This requires entering basic personal information and answering questions about lifestyle, health, medical history, and current symptoms. A government-issued ID and a credit card are also necessary.
- Complete a Medical Questionnaire: After setting up the profile, users answer specific questions related to their medical concerns and symptoms. The questions vary based on the service sought.
- Evaluation by a Licensed Professional: A licensed healthcare professional evaluates the user's needs and communicates with them through the online platform within 24 hours. This communication is asynchronous, meaning there are no real-time conversations.
- Receive a Treatment Plan: Once the healthcare professional assesses the profile, they provide a treatment plan.
Hers Pricing and Insurance Coverage
Hers' product prices generally range from $15 to over $100, with free shipping. The cost of a monthly subscription varies depending on the selected products or package.
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If a healthcare professional prescribes anxiety or depression medications, monthly prescriptions start at $85. However, purchasing a 3-month supply upfront reduces the cost to $49 per month. GLP-1 injections start at $299 per month with a 12-month upfront plan.
Hers does not accept medical insurance or HSA/FSA payments, meaning all products and services are paid out-of-pocket. However, insurance may cover the cost of medication if a Hers doctor sends the prescription to a local pharmacy.
Who is Hers Suitable For?
Hers may be suitable for individuals seeking convenient online support and medication for certain health needs, including:
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Sexual health concerns
- Weight management
Hers offers the convenience of delivering medications directly to the user's door each month. While Hers doesn’t accept insurance, it suggests its medications are 50% to 80% off retail prices, potentially making it a more accessible and affordable option for some consumers.
Limitations of Telehealth Services
It's important to recognize that not all medical questions and concerns can be addressed through Hers’ online platform. Hers might not be able to meet all needs or provide a suitable product for specific concerns.
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Telehealth services like Hers can be a convenient and time-saving alternative to in-person appointments, but there are instances where a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Telehealth is useful for refilling or prescribing medications for previously diagnosed conditions. However, a physical exam, blood test, or imaging test may be required for a diagnosis.
Consulting a doctor may also be necessary for complex medical conditions that require more intensive treatment. Additionally, if symptoms do not improve or worsen after using medications or supplements from Hers, it’s important to talk with a doctor to determine whether other treatment options may be necessary or beneficial.
Hers for Weight Loss: A Deeper Dive
Hers requires an online consultation with a healthcare professional on the platform before prescribing medications. Depending on the user's healthcare needs, a prescription may include:
- Weight loss: GLP-1s or metformin
- Anxiety and depression: Escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), or fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sexual health: Birth control pills or valacyclovir for genital or oral herpes
- Hair loss: Minoxidil
- Skin care: Acne or anti-aging creams formulated with tretinoin
Hers’ clinicians do not prescribe controlled substances like Xanax or Adderall.
It's important to note that Hers doesn’t offer brand-name Ozempic but instead offers compounded semaglutide. While compounded GLP-1s include the same active ingredient as brand-name GLP-1s, they are not approved by the FDA. The FDA has warned against the use of compounded semaglutide due to safety concerns.
Hers Reviews: What Customers are Saying
Online reviews of Hers’ weight loss service are mixed. Some users find the service convenient and appreciate the level of personalization and support. However, negative reviews often cite issues with customer service and a lack of significant weight loss results.
Many reviewers appreciate the responsiveness and helpfulness of the medical team, the ease of communication, and the quick answers to their questions. The convenience of the app and the informative content are also valued. However, opinions vary regarding the effectiveness of the products and treatments. Some users report positive changes in their weight, energy levels, and overall well-being, while others express disappointment with the lack of noticeable results or the presence of side effects like nausea and fatigue.
Some reviewers also mention concerns about dosage and the need for more personalized guidance and follow-up from healthcare providers.
Hers vs. Competitors
Hers stands out for its transparent, up-front pricing and the ability to choose between compounded and branded medications. However, rigid bundles, no refunds, and high brand-name drug costs reduce long-term flexibility.
Compared to other clinics:
- Found: Starts at $99/month and offers compounded medications as well as lifestyle coaching. It’s more supportive than Hers but less clear about total costs.
- WeightWatchers: Charges $199+/month for a membership fee that comes with comprehensive community-based lifestyle management.
- Ro Body Program: Features a similar structure to Hers with compounded semaglutide, but pricing is higher and choices are narrower. Coaching and insurance support are included, however.
Medical Excellence and Safety
Hers is licensed and legitimate, but its oversight is minimal. Labs are rarely required, compounded meds are emphasized over FDA-approved options, and provider interaction is limited to app messaging. This lighter-touch model helps reduce costs but leaves gaps in medical expertise compared to more hands-on programs.
Outcome Tracking and Support
Hers provides light educational resources and app messaging, but no structured coaching, regular follow-ups, or community support.
Lab Testing: What to Expect
While Hers does not routinely require labs, providers may order them if your intake raises concerns (such as thyroid issues, elevated blood sugar, or liver history). If labs are requested, they typically cost $75-$100.
Potential lab tests include:
- A1C (hemoglobin A1C): Shows average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- Fasting glucose: Measures blood sugar at a single point in time.
- Lipid panel (cholesterol): Tracks HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST): Assess liver health.
- Kidney function (creatinine, BUN, eGFR): Monitors kidney health.
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): Assesses thyroid function.
- Electrolytes: Helps rule out imbalances.
- CBC (complete blood count): Gives a broad view of overall health.
With Hers, labs are not routinely required, which makes the program more convenient but also means fewer safety checkpoints compared to more hands-on clinics.
Who Should Consider Hers?
Hers may be a strong fit if:
- Affordability is a top priority.
- You prefer a digital-first experience.
- You want the option to choose between compounded and branded medications.
- You are frustrated with insurance barriers.
Who Should Avoid Hers?
Hers may not be suitable if:
- You want strong safety oversight and frequent monitoring.
- You rely on insurance to help offset the high cost of GLP-1s.
- You want long-term accountability and support.
- You need flexibility in case the program doesn’t work out.