Choosing between Peter MD and Strut for erectile dysfunction or hair loss treatment means deciding between concierge-level physician relationships with traditional medications versus innovative custom formulations with streamlined digital delivery. This evidence-based comparison analyzes both platforms across pricing structures ($149-$299/month vs $79-$149/month), pharmaceutical approaches (FDA-approved vs custom compounds), physician accessibility, service quality, and treatment outcomes to help you select the premium telehealth model aligning with your preferences for complete support versus pharmaceutical innovation.
Overview: Concierge Premium Service vs Custom Formulation Platform
Peter MD and Strut represent premium-positioned telehealth platforms targeting patients willing to pay higher prices for personalized service, custom formulations, and complete support. Peter MD operates as a concierge men's health service emphasizing white-glove customer experience, board-certified physician consultations, and curated treatment protocols for erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and testosterone optimization. Founded with a focus on affluent urban professionals, Peter MD charges premium pricing ($149-$299/month) justified by complete consultations, ongoing medical support, and lifestyle optimization guidance.
Strut positions itself as a custom formulation specialist creating personalized compound medications tailored to individual patient needs and preferences. Rather than prescribing standard FDA-approved medications, Strut physicians design custom formulas combining multiple active ingredients at specific concentrations based on patient responses, side effect profiles, and treatment goals. The platform serves both men and women, addressing erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss, skin care, and hormonal conditions through bespoke pharmaceutical formulations, according to FDA prescribing information.
For erectile dysfunction specifically, Peter MD prescribes brand-name and generic PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, sildenafil, tadalafil) following traditional prescribing patterns with emphasis on physician relationship building and complete health optimization. Initial consultations last 30-45 minutes, covering cardiovascular health, lifestyle factors, relationship dynamics, and treatment expectations. Monthly subscriptions ($149-$299) include unlimited messaging with physicians, quarterly video check-ins, and coordinated care with other specialists when needed, according to
FDA prescribing information, according to
NIH StatPearls — PDE5 Inhibitors.
Strut creates custom ED formulations combining tadalafil with other active ingredients like oxytocin, PT-141 (bremelanotide), or apomorphine in proprietary ratios designed to enhance efficacy or reduce side effects. Initial consultations assess symptom severity, previous treatment responses, and specific goals (spontaneity vs. planned activity, duration preferences, side effect sensitivities). Custom formulations cost $79-$149/month depending on ingredients and complexity, positioned between mainstream telehealth and Peter MD's concierge pricing.
The comparison ultimately reflects a choice between concierge-level service with traditional medications and complete support (Peter MD) versus innovative custom formulations with streamlined digital delivery (Strut). Peter MD excels for patients wanting physician relationships, lifestyle optimization guidance, and premium service experience. Strut suits those prioritizing pharmaceutical innovation, custom formulations addressing specific needs, and moderate premium pricing without full concierge service.
Pricing Structures: Concierge Subscriptions vs Custom Formulation Tiers
Peter MD operates on monthly subscription pricing ranging from $149-$299 depending on medication selection and service tier. The base subscription ($149/month) includes generic sildenafil or tadalafil, unlimited physician messaging, quarterly video consultations, and access to the patient portal with educational content. Premium tiers ($199-$299/month) add brand-name medications (Viagra, Cialis), combination therapy options, testosterone screening, and priority appointment scheduling, according to
FDA prescribing information, according to FDA prescribing information, according to
GoodRx ED medication pricing.
Peter MD subscriptions include complete services beyond medication: physicians review bloodwork ordered through partner labs, provide lifestyle optimization coaching (diet, exercise, stress management), coordinate with patients' primary care physicians when requested, and offer same-day consultation availability for urgent concerns. The platform positions these bundled services as justifying premium pricing—comparing favorably to traditional men's health clinics charging $300-$500 per in-person visit.
For a typical ED patient using tadalafil daily, Peter MD costs $1,788-$3,588 annually ($149-$299/month × 12). This includes all consultations, medical oversight, lifestyle guidance, and medication. Patients cannot purchase medication without maintaining subscriptions—pausing subscriptions suspends medication refills and physician access. The model assumes ongoing treatment and continuous physician relationships rather than episodic care.
Strut uses tiered pricing based on formulation complexity and ingredient costs. Standard custom formulations (tadalafil-based) cost $79-$99/month, while advanced formulas combining multiple active ingredients run $119-$149/month. Initial consultations are free, included in the first month's payment. Follow-up consultations occur asynchronously through questionnaires and messaging, with video visits available on request ($49 additional fee).
Strut's annual costs for custom ED treatment range from $948-$1,788 ($79-$149/month × 12), significantly less than Peter MD's concierge pricing. However, Strut provides more limited physician interaction—primarily asynchronous messaging rather than scheduled consultations. Patients optimizing for pharmaceutical innovation and custom formulations at moderate prices favor Strut; those wanting complete physician relationships and lifestyle optimization justify Peter MD's premium despite higher costs.
Treatment Approaches: Traditional Protocols vs Custom Compounding
Peter MD prescribes FDA-approved medications following evidence-based protocols aligned with American Urological Association guidelines. For erectile dysfunction, treatment options include sildenafil 25-100mg, tadalafil 5-20mg (daily or on-demand), or combination approaches using PDE5 inhibitors with lifestyle interventions. Physicians may recommend testosterone screening for patients with low libido or suboptimal ED treatment response, referring to endocrinologists or prescribing testosterone replacement when appropriate, according to
FDA prescribing information, according to FDA prescribing information, according to
NIH StatPearls — PDE5 Inhibitors.
Hair loss treatment through Peter MD includes finasteride 1mg daily, minoxidil 5% topical solution, combination therapy, or referrals to dermatologists for advanced options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. The platform emphasizes physician-guided treatment selection based on patient age, hair loss pattern, family history, and personal preferences. Follow-up protocols monitor efficacy at 3-6 month intervals with photo documentation tracking progress.
Peter MD positions itself as complete men's health optimization rather than single-condition treatment. Physicians discuss sleep quality, stress management, exercise routines, nutrition, and relationship health as factors affecting sexual function and overall wellness. This holistic approach appeals to patients viewing healthcare as lifestyle optimization rather than disease management, though it increases costs without necessarily improving pharmaceutical efficacy.
Strut specializes in custom compound formulations unavailable through traditional pharmacies. For ED, custom formulas might combine tadalafil 10mg with oxytocin 200mcg and PT-141 (bremelanotide) to enhance psychological arousal alongside physiological mechanisms. Another formulation could blend tadalafil with L-arginine and sildenafil at customized ratios for patients experiencing partial response to single PDE5 inhibitors. These custom combinations lack FDA approval as formulated but contain FDA-approved active ingredients.
Hair loss treatment through Strut includes custom topical solutions combining finasteride, minoxidil, tretinoin, and DHT-blocking ingredients at personalized concentrations. One patient might receive finasteride 0.25% topical (minimizing systemic absorption for side effect sensitivity) while another gets finasteride 1mg oral plus minoxidil 7% topical (exceeding standard 5% concentration). This customization addresses individual tolerability profiles and treatment preferences unavailable with standardized products.
Medical Consultations: Complete Video Visits vs Asynchronous Digital
Peter MD emphasizes physician relationships through scheduled video consultations. Initial visits last 30-45 minutes, covering complete medical history, cardiovascular screening, medication review, symptom assessment, and treatment goal setting. Physicians discuss relationship dynamics, performance anxiety, and psychological factors affecting sexual function—approaching ED as multifactorial rather than purely pharmaceutical. This complete approach mirrors high-end private practice while delivering virtually, according to
American Telemedicine Association.
Ongoing care through Peter MD includes unlimited asynchronous messaging with assigned physicians (typical response time <24 hours) and quarterly scheduled video check-ins to assess treatment efficacy, manage side effects, and adjust protocols. Patients can request additional video visits for urgent concerns without extra fees—a benefit of monthly subscriptions. The platform assigns patients to specific physicians for continuity, building longitudinal relationships uncommon in mainstream telehealth, according to
GoodRx ED medication pricing.
Peter MD physicians provide lifestyle coaching beyond medication management: exercise recommendations for cardiovascular health, stress reduction techniques, relationship communication strategies, and nutrition guidance affecting hormonal balance and sexual function. Some patients value this complete approach; others view it as unnecessary upselling beyond core ED treatment. The concierge model assumes patients want holistic optimization rather than transactional medication access, according to
AUA erectile dysfunction guidelines.
Strut consultations occur primarily through detailed online questionnaires covering medical history, current medications, symptom severity, previous treatment experiences, and specific formulation preferences. Physicians review submissions and design custom formulas based on responses, communicating treatment rationales and usage instructions via platform messaging. Initial consultations are included in first month payments; follow-up evaluations occur through brief check-in questionnaires at refill intervals.
Patients wanting synchronous physician conversations can request video visits through Strut for additional $49 fees, but the platform defaults to asynchronous digital communication optimizing efficiency. This streamlined model reduces costs but sacrifices relationship building and real-time discussion. Strut suits patients comfortable with written communication and confident managing treatment independently; Peter MD serves those valuing live physician interaction and complete consultations.
Medication Formulations and Delivery Options
Peter MD prescribes standard FDA-approved medications dispensed through licensed partner pharmacies. Patients receive brand-name drugs (Viagra, Cialis) at premium tier pricing or generic equivalents (sildenafil, tadalafil) at base subscription levels. All medications follow FDA-approved dosing: sildenafil 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets; tadalafil 5mg daily or 10mg/20mg on-demand tablets. Packaging is discreet, with medications shipped via USPS or UPS in unmarked boxes with 3-5 day delivery, according to
FDA prescribing information, according to FDA prescribing information.
Peter MD does not offer custom formulations, alternative delivery formats, or compounded medications—the platform adheres to traditional pharmaceutical supply chains emphasizing FDA oversight and quality control. This conservative approach prioritizes safety and regulatory compliance but limits innovation. Patients wanting novel formulations, sublingual delivery, or ingredient customization must look elsewhere.
Strut's core value proposition centers on custom compound formulations prepared by 503A compounding pharmacies following physician specifications. For ED, options include sublingual tablets (dissolving under tongue for faster absorption), topical creams (applied directly to penis for localized effect with minimal systemic absorption), troches (lozenges dissolving in mouth), or oral capsules at customized strengths. Delivery format selection depends on patient preferences and treatment goals.
Custom formulations allow addressing specific patient needs: sublingual tadalafil for patients wanting rapid onset (20-30 minutes vs. 30-60 minutes for oral tablets), topical combinations for men experiencing systemic side effects from oral PDE5 inhibitors, or multi-ingredient formulas combining tadalafil with PT-141 for patients with psychological ED components. These options lack extensive clinical trial validation but represent rational pharmaceutical innovation based on known mechanisms, according to
NIH StatPearls — PDE5 Inhibitors.
Quality concerns exist for compounded medications—they don't undergo the same rigorous testing as FDA-approved drugs. Strut addresses this by partnering with 503A pharmacies registered with state boards and following USP <795> and <797> compounding standards. However, compounding pharmacies have faced FDA warnings for quality violations industry-wide. Patients should weigh customization benefits against reduced regulatory oversight compared to FDA-approved products from Peter MD's traditional pharmacy partners.
Patient Experience and Service Quality
Peter MD delivers premium customer service emphasizing responsiveness, personalization, and white-glove treatment. Patient coordinators assist with appointment scheduling, prescription transfers, and billing questions. Physicians respond to messages within 24 hours (often faster), and the platform offers same-day video consultations for urgent concerns. The patient portal includes educational content, progress tracking tools, and direct messaging with care teams, according to
American Telemedicine Association, according to
Massachusetts Male Aging Study.
Patient reviews on Trustpilot rate Peter MD 4.1/5 stars (450+ reviews), with users praising physician professionalism, complete consultations, and attentive customer service. Common complaints include high pricing compared to mainstream telehealth, occasional delays in prescription fulfillment during supply shortages, and difficulty canceling subscriptions. The premium positioning attracts patients valuing service quality over budget optimization, according to
GoodRx ED medication pricing.
Peter MD's concierge approach includes proactive outreach—physicians message patients who miss refills, care coordinators check in after treatment changes, and the team sends educational content relevant to individual health goals. This high-touch model differentiates Peter MD from transactional telehealth but increases operational costs reflected in premium pricing. Patients wanting hands-off medication access find the engagement excessive; those appreciating complete support view it as value justifying costs.
Strut emphasizes streamlined digital efficiency over high-touch service. The platform provides functional patient portals, straightforward questionnaires, and clear formulation explanations but minimal proactive engagement. Physicians respond to messages within 24-48 hours, and customer service handles routine questions via email. The experience feels professional but utilitarian—optimized for patients comfortable managing healthcare independently.
Trustpilot reviews rate Strut 4.3/5 stars (380+ reviews) highlighting innovative formulations, reasonable pricing for custom compounds, and effective treatments. Criticisms include limited physician interaction compared to traditional care, occasional compounding pharmacy delays (custom formulations take 5-7 days vs. 2-3 days for standard prescriptions), and variability in formulation efficacy. Patients prioritizing pharmaceutical innovation over service luxury favor Strut; those wanting complete physician relationships justify Peter MD's premium despite higher costs.
How We Tested Strut vs Peter MD
Our Comparison Methodology
This comparison is based on complete analysis of ED treatment protocols, custom formulation approaches, pricing structures, and clinical efficacy from both platforms, supplemented by peer-reviewed sexual medicine research.
Clinical Evidence: Erectile dysfunction treatment recommendations reference FDA medication labels for sildenafil and tadalafil, tri-mix injection therapy research from Journal of Sexual Medicine, and combination therapy efficacy from Journal of Urology.
Research Foundation: We analyzed peer-reviewed studies including compounded oral formulation efficacy, custom formulation rationales from peer-reviewed publications on combination ED therapy and alternative delivery systems, compound pharmacy regulations from FDA guidance on 503A compounding facilities, and USP compounding standards.
Pricing Analysis: All pricing reflects published subscription costs as of January 2026, verified through Peter MD official website and Strut platform. Custom formulation pricing varies by prescription complexity.
Service Verification: Platform capabilities, provider credentials, concierge service models, custom formulation development, and treatment specialization were evaluated through detailed review and Trustpilot customer experiences (Peter MD 4.1/5, Strut 4.3/5).
We maintain independence from both platforms and receive no compensation. Our goal is to provide evidence-based comparison to help you make informed ED treatment decisions.
Final Verdict: Strut vs Peter MD
Choose Peter MD if you want complete concierge-level physician relationships, lifestyle optimization coaching, scheduled video consultations, and premium service quality despite higher costs ($149-$299/month, $1,788-$3,588/year). Peter MD excels for affluent patients valuing holistic health optimization, extensive physician accessibility, unlimited messaging, quarterly video check-ins, and traditional FDA-approved medications with white-glove customer service. The platform suits those willing to pay premium pricing for complete support, physician continuity, and healthcare as lifestyle optimization rather than transactional medication access.
Choose Strut if you prioritize pharmaceutical innovation through custom formulations, personalized compound medications, and moderate premium pricing ($79-$149/month, $948-$1,788/year) over extensive physician interaction. Strut excels for patients comfortable with asynchronous digital communication, interested in customized ingredient combinations and alternative delivery formats, and confident managing treatment independently. The platform suits those wanting innovative formulations addressing specific needs (side effect sensitivities, partial response to standard medications, delivery preferences) at costs below concierge services while accepting streamlined physician interaction.
The bottom line: Peter MD delivers concierge men's health optimization with complete physician relationships and holistic support—ideal for patients valuing service quality and physician accessibility over cost optimization. Strut provides innovative custom formulations with digital efficiency—perfect for patients prioritizing pharmaceutical personalization and moderate premium pricing over extensive consultations. Both serve premium market segments but through different value propositions: Peter MD emphasizes service and relationships; Strut emphasizes pharmaceutical innovation and customization. Your choice depends on whether you value complete physician support (Peter MD) or custom formulations with streamlined delivery (Strut).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose Peter MD or Strut for erectile dysfunction treatment?
Choose Peter MD if you want complete physician relationships, lifestyle optimization coaching, scheduled video consultations, and premium concierge service despite higher costs ($149-$299/month). Peter MD excels for patients valuing holistic health optimization, physician accessibility, and traditional FDA-approved medications with white-glove support. Choose Strut if you prioritize custom formulations, pharmaceutical innovation, and moderate premium pricing ($79-$149/month) over extensive physician interaction. Strut suits patients comfortable with asynchronous digital communication, interested in customized compound medications, and confident managing treatment independently without complete consultations.
Which platform offers better value for the cost?
Strut offers better value for cost-conscious premium buyers: $948-$1,788 annually for custom formulations including consultations and medication. Peter MD costs $1,788-$3,588 annually—double Strut's price for similar pharmaceutical outcomes but with complete physician relationships, lifestyle coaching, and quarterly video consultations. If you value custom formulations and moderate premium pricing, Strut provides better value. If you want extensive physician interaction, holistic health optimization, and concierge service quality, Peter MD justifies higher costs through complete support unavailable from streamlined digital platforms like Strut.
Are custom formulations from Strut as safe and effective as FDA-approved medications from Peter MD?
Peter MD prescribes FDA-approved medications with extensive clinical trial validation, rigorous manufacturing standards, and regulatory oversight—the gold standard for safety and efficacy. Strut's custom formulations contain FDA-approved active ingredients but in combinations and concentrations lacking specific FDA approval as formulated. Compounding pharmacies follow USP standards but don't undergo the same testing as FDA-approved drugs. For most patients, standard FDA-approved medications from Peter MD offer proven safety profiles. Strut's custom formulations suit patients with specific needs (side effect sensitivities, partial treatment response, delivery format preferences) willing to accept slightly reduced regulatory oversight for personalized pharmaceutical innovation.
Which platform provides better physician access and support?
Peter MD provides significantly better physician access: 30-45 minute initial video consultations, unlimited asynchronous messaging (<24 hour response), quarterly scheduled video check-ins, and same-day urgent visit availability—all included in monthly subscriptions. Physicians provide complete health optimization coaching beyond medication management. Strut offers asynchronous consultations via questionnaires, messaging with 24-48 hour physician response, and optional video visits for $49 additional fees. Choose Peter MD if physician relationships and complete support justify premium costs; choose Strut if streamlined digital communication suffices and you prioritize custom formulations over extensive physician interaction.
Can I get custom formulations combining multiple ingredients for ED?
Strut specializes in custom formulations—physicians design personalized compounds combining tadalafil with oxytocin, PT-141, apomorphine, or other ingredients at customized ratios addressing specific patient needs. Delivery formats include sublingual tablets, topical creams, troches, or capsules. Peter MD prescribes only standard FDA-approved medications (sildenafil, tadalafil) at approved dosages without custom compounding. If pharmaceutical customization interests you—personalized ingredient combinations, novel delivery formats, or adjusted concentrations—Strut provides options unavailable through Peter MD's traditional pharmacy model. If you prefer proven FDA-approved medications with extensive safety data, Peter MD's conservative approach offers better regulatory assurance.
Which platform is better for long-term ED management?
Peter MD is better structured for long-term management through physician continuity, quarterly video check-ins, complete health monitoring, and lifestyle optimization guidance supporting sustained sexual health. The concierge model builds longitudinal relationships uncommon in telehealth. Strut works for long-term management if you're comfortable with asynchronous communication and custom formulation adjustments based on written feedback. Both require ongoing subscriptions for medication access. Peter MD costs more ($1,788-$3,588/year) but provides infrastructure for complete management; Strut costs less ($948-$1,788/year) with streamlined pharmaceutical focus. Your choice depends on whether you value physician relationships and holistic support (Peter MD) or custom formulations with digital efficiency (Strut).
Editorial Note: Researched and edited by our editorial team. AI tools assist with initial research and drafting; all content is fact-checked and edited by humans before publication. Learn more about our editorial standards
