Doctors warn of a new trend among men: testosterone therapy

Testosterone injections are becoming a sought-after route to greater energy, strength and muscle among men in the United Kingdom, and doctors are warning that the trend can carry serious risks.

Men are increasingly turning to hormone therapy even when they may not need it. The treatment has spread rapidly on social media, where some users present testosterone as a way to become more masculine. Doctors say the pressure has reached the point where men may feel they are not “real men” unless they pursue testing and therapy.

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When you decide to take up this therapy, you have to get used to a changed life, you have to get used to being pricked with needles once or twice a week.

Ben Goddard, who lives in London, sought treatment after experiencing reduced libido and a lack of energy and strength. He has decided to continue the therapy for life and recommends it to his friends. “When you decide to take up this therapy, you have to get used to a changed life, you have to get used to being pricked with needles once or twice a week,” he said. He added, “Some people think that is far too long, but it changed my life.”

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Some people think that is far too long, but it changed my life.

Doctors, however, say more testosterone does not necessarily mean better health or physical fitness. Jeff Foster warned, “If we prescribed testosterone treatment to every man, we would do a lot of harm. It puts strain on the heart muscle, causes high blood pressure and encourages an increase in bad cholesterol.”

Men with low testosterone often seek help from private clinics, where obtaining a prescription can be relatively easy. Foster said, “The problem is that testosterone can now easily be prescribed at every private clinic or even found online, even when it is not necessary.” Doctors are particularly concerned that incorrect or prolonged use may reduce fertility.

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If we prescribed testosterone treatment to every man, we would do a lot of harm. It puts strain on the heart muscle, causes high blood pressure and encourages an increase in bad cholesterol.

The trend is also appearing in the United States, where soldiers have been offered testosterone therapy and all military personnel aged 30 and over will receive annual checks for testosterone deficiency. In Britain, meanwhile, the number of men seeking injections continues to rise.

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The problem is that testosterone can now easily be prescribed at every private clinic or even found online, even when it is not necessary.