Authorities warn that misinformation on social media is pushing men to NHS clinics for unnecessary testosterone treatments, exacerbating already strained waiting lists.
Testosterone therapy is a prescription-only treatment recommended under national guidelines for men who display clinically verified deficiencies, validated through symptoms or consistent blood tests.
However, a surge of viral content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is promoting blood tests as a means to receive testosterone as a lifestyle supplement, marketing it as a cure for issues like low energy, diminished focus, and decreased libido.
Medical professionals warn that taking unwarranted testosterone can inhibit natural hormone production, result in infertility, and elevate risks for blood clots, heart disease, and mood disorders.
The increasing demand for online consultations is becoming evident in medical facilities.
Professor Channa Jayasena from Imperial College London and chair of the Endocrine Society Andrology Network noted that hospital specialists are witnessing a rise in men taking these private blood tests, often promoted through social media, and being inaccurately advised that they require testosterone.
“We consulted with 300 endocrinologists at a national conference, and they all reported seeing patients in these clinics weekly,” he said. “They’re overwhelming our facilities. We previously focused on adrenal conditions and diabetes, and it’s significantly affecting NHS services. We’re left wondering how to manage this situation.”
While advertising prescription medications is illegal in the UK, the Guardian discovered that several TikTok influencers collaborate with private clinics to promote blood tests legally marketed as part of testosterone therapy.
Advocates of testosterone replacement therapy, who boast large followings, receive compensation or incentives from private clinics to promote discount codes and giveaways. Photo: TikTok
Supporters of testosterone replacement therapy, amassing thousands of followers, are incentivized by private clinics to advertise discount offers and promotions to encourage men to assess their testosterone levels and possibly pursue treatment.
One popular post shows a man lifting weights, urging viewers: “Get your testosterone tested… DM me for £20 off.” Another video suggests that a free blood test is available as part of an incentive to “enhance” his performance.
The Guardian notified the Advertising Standards Authority about these posts for potentially violating regulations regarding prescription drugs, triggering an investigation by the oversight body.
Jayasena stated, “I recently attended the National Education Course for the Next Generation of Endocrine Consultants, where many expressed concerns about reproductive health and the escalating trend of men being pushed to boost their testosterone levels.”
He added: “Beyond just influencers, this issue is significant. Healthcare professionals are encountering patients who come in for private blood tests, possibly arranged through influencers, and being incorrectly advised by inexperienced medical personnel that they should commence testosterone therapy. This guidance is fundamentally flawed.”
In private clinics, the initial year of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) ranges from £1,800 to £2,200, covering medication, monitoring, and consultations.
Originally a specialized treatment for a limited group of men with clinically diagnosed hormone deficiencies, TRT is now increasingly viewed as a lifestyle or “performance enhancement” option. Online clinics are also offering home blood tests and subscription services, making such treatments more easily accessible outside conventional healthcare routes.
In private clinics, the initial year of comprehensive testosterone replacement therapy costs approximately £1,800 to £2,200. Photo: Ian Dewar/Alamy
These messages imply that diminished motivation, exhaustion, and aging signify “low T,” leading more men to seek testing and treatment, despite medical advice restricting TRT to individuals with confirmed hormonal deficiencies.
Professor Jayasena remarked: “There are specific clinical protocols dictating who should or shouldn’t consider testosterone therapy. Some symptoms, like erectile dysfunction, undeniably correlate with low testosterone, whereas others, like muscle mass or feeling down, do not. A man might express dissatisfaction with his muscle tone and be advised to get tested, yet evidence supporting the necessity of such testing remains scarce.”
“What’s particularly alarming is that some clinics are now administering testosterone to men with normal testosterone levels. Research shows there’s no benefit to testosterone levels exceeding 12 nmol/L. I have also received reports of clinics providing testosterone to individuals under 18, a significant demographic.”
He explained that unnecessary testosterone usage can lead to infertility: “It inhibits testicular function and the hormonal messages from the brain necessary for testicular health, compelling us to combine and administer other drugs to counteract this effect. This is akin to the strategies used by anabolic steroid users.”
TikTok has been approached for a comment.
Source: www.theguardian.com
