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MOONSHOT VS TYPICAL CLINICS

Not all hormone and weight loss clinics are the same. Here's an honest look at how we're different—and where we might not be the right fit.

Medically reviewed by Missy Zammichieli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC · Updated March 2, 2026

THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE

The hormone and weight loss space has exploded. Telehealth TRT clinics, GLP-1 prescription mills, and "anti-aging" centers are everywhere.

Many operate on a simple model: minimal labs, quick video call, prescription shipped to your door. It's convenient. It's also often incomplete.

We built Moonshot because we wanted something different—not just for patients, but because one of our founders needed it himself. Read that story here.

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON

Factor	Typical Clinic	Moonshot
Lab work	Basic panel (10-15 markers)	Comprehensive (60+ markers)
Body composition	Scale weight only	DEXA scans included
Care model	Telehealth/video calls	In-person (Park Ridge, IL)
Reference ranges	"Normal" (based on sick populations)	Optimal (performance lens)
Ongoing monitoring	Minimal / as-needed	Labs every 6 months, DEXA 2x/year
Approach	Symptom → prescription	Data → diagnosis → plan
Goal	Treat symptoms	Optimize function long-term

WHAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY

Comprehensive Labs

We test 60+ biomarkers—not just testosterone or thyroid. Hormones, metabolic markers, inflammation, cardiovascular risk, nutrients. The full picture.

Why? Because low testosterone might be caused by thyroid dysfunction, or inflammation, or insulin resistance. You can't optimize what you don't understand.

DEXA Body Composition

The scale tells you almost nothing. DEXA tells you exactly how much fat, muscle, and bone you have—and where.

This matters especially for weight loss. You want to lose fat, not muscle. DEXA lets us track that precisely and adjust your protocol accordingly.

In-Person Care

We're a real clinic in Park Ridge, IL. We draw your blood, run your DEXA, and see you face-to-face.

This isn't about being anti-technology. It's about building real relationships and providing hands-on care that telehealth can't replicate.

Performance Lens

"Normal" lab ranges are based on general populations—including sick people. We interpret results through an optimization lens.

Being "normal" isn't the goal. We want you functioning optimally—energy, body composition, cognition, longevity.

WHEN MOONSHOT MIGHT NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

We're not the right fit for everyone. Here's when another option might make more sense:

You just want a quick prescription

If you already know exactly what you want and don't care about comprehensive testing or monitoring, a telehealth clinic will be faster and possibly cheaper upfront. We take a more thorough approach.

You're not local to Chicago/northwest suburbs

We're an in-person clinic. If you're not able to come to Park Ridge for labs, DEXA scans, and consultations, we're not the right geographic fit.

You want the cheapest possible option

When you factor in comprehensive labs and DEXA tracking, our pricing is competitive. But if rock-bottom cost is the priority over thorough care, there are cheaper options.

REAL COST COMPARISON

Telehealth clinics often look cheaper until you add up what's actually included.

Typical Telehealth Clinic

Monthly subscription$150-200
Basic labs (2x/year)$200-400
DEXA scanNot offered
Comprehensive labsExtra $300+
True annual cost$2,500+

Moonshot

Monthly program (men)$235
Monthly program (women)$285
Comprehensive labs (2x/year)Included
DEXA scans (2x/year)Included
Vitamin injection (monthly)Included
True annual cost$2,496

*Medication costs vary by protocol and are additional for both options.

COMMON QUESTIONS

How is Moonshot different from online TRT clinics?

Online TRT clinics often use minimal labs and quick video consultations to prescribe testosterone. Moonshot uses comprehensive bloodwork (60+ markers), in-person care, DEXA body composition tracking, and ongoing monitoring. We focus on optimization, not just prescribing.

Why does Moonshot require comprehensive labs?

Hormones don't exist in isolation. Your testosterone level means nothing without context from thyroid, metabolic markers, inflammation, and other biomarkers. Comprehensive labs help us understand why your levels are where they are and how to optimize safely.

What is DEXA tracking and why does it matter?

DEXA scans measure your exact body composition: fat mass, lean muscle, and bone density by region. This matters because the scale doesn't tell the full story. You could lose weight but also lose muscle—DEXA helps us ensure you're losing fat and preserving (or building) muscle.

Is Moonshot more expensive than telehealth hormone clinics?

Our hormone optimization program starts at $235/month for men and $285/month for women, including comprehensive labs every 6 months and 2 DEXA scans per year. Many telehealth clinics charge $150-200/month for just the prescription, with labs and monitoring extra. When you factor in the full cost of care, we're often comparable or better value.

Can I see you in person or is it all telehealth?

Moonshot is an in-person clinic located in Park Ridge, IL. We do blood draws, DEXA scans, and consultations on-site. This allows for better care, hands-on assessment, and real relationships with patients. We're not a telehealth prescription mill.