Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
EllieMD vs Hormonally Balanced
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
EllieMD
Shoppers specifically interested in a microdosing protocol with a named compounding pharmacy, not full-dose treatment.
Visit EllieMDHormonally Balanced
Cost-first shoppers who want women in one of Hormonally Balanced's seven served states who want a concierge, hormone-specialist-led practice and are comfortable calling for a price quote.
Visit Hormonally BalancedThe verdict
EllieMD and Hormonally Balanced tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 52/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with EllieMD (ranked #387, a hair above #388) — Shoppers specifically interested in a microdosing protocol with a named compounding pharmacy, not full-dose treatment. But Hormonally Balanced is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs EllieMD.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | EllieMD | Hormonally Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 52/100 | 52/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $229/mo (microdose tier, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $239/mo (microdose tier, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,748 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,868 | — |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | All 50 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #387 | #388 |
EllieMD
52/100Where the value is
- Names its compounding pharmacy — Clover, a 503A facility — unlike most competitors in this batch that only say 'a licensed U.S. pharmacy'
- Explicitly states 'No hidden membership, shipping, or consultation fees' for the microdose program
- All 50 states served per the site's own claim
The tradeoffs
- The ONLY GLP-1 pricing published anywhere on the site is for the microdose program — a shopper wanting typical-dose semaglutide or tirzepatide will find no price before completing the intake process
- Microdose pricing requires a 12-week (84-day) minimum commitment; no month-to-month option was found
Hormonally Balanced
52/100Where the value is
- Named, credentialed CMO with a real specialty: Dr. Andrew Lenhardt, Urology, 25+ years of experience
- LegitScript-verified
- Serves seven states (MA, CA, TX, FL, NY, RI, NH), a broader footprint than many single-state boutique practices
The tradeoffs
- No pricing for the weight-loss shot program is published anywhere on the site, including a dedicated pricing URL that returns a 404 — a phone call is required for any number
- Private-pay/concierge model explicitly does not accept insurance
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.