A growing number of men are seeking NHS testosterone therapy, with some cases resulting in serious side effects and even death, all due to a lack of understanding about the hormone's real effects. Social media platforms have been cited as a major source of misinformation driving these men to seek unneeded medical treatment.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has expressed concern over the increasing demand for testosterone therapy among young men, with some cases resulting in hospital admissions and even fatalities. According to doctors, many of these men are being misled by social media influencers and celebrities who claim that low testosterone levels are a sign of masculinity or virility.
However, experts warn that this is simply not true. Low testosterone levels can have serious consequences for a man's health, including increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. In some cases, testosterone therapy can even accelerate the growth of aggressive prostate cancer cells.
The NHS has reported a significant increase in referrals to hormone clinics over the past few years, with many men seeking treatment without being properly diagnosed or assessed. Doctors are now urging men to think twice before seeking testosterone therapy, and to instead seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals who can provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
As one doctor noted, "The idea that low testosterone is a sign of masculinity is just not supported by the evidence." He added that, "We need to educate people about the risks of testosterone therapy and ensure that they are getting proper care from their GP or specialist before they even consider seeking treatment."
In response to these concerns, social media platforms have been called upon to take greater responsibility for regulating the spread of misinformation. Many influencers and celebrities who have promoted testosterone therapy as a solution to low libido or fatigue have since apologized for spreading false information.
The issue highlights the need for better education and awareness about testosterone and its effects on men's health. By promoting accurate information and supporting trusted healthcare professionals, we can work towards reducing the number of men seeking unneeded testosterone therapy and ensuring that they receive proper care and treatment instead.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has expressed concern over the increasing demand for testosterone therapy among young men, with some cases resulting in hospital admissions and even fatalities. According to doctors, many of these men are being misled by social media influencers and celebrities who claim that low testosterone levels are a sign of masculinity or virility.
However, experts warn that this is simply not true. Low testosterone levels can have serious consequences for a man's health, including increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. In some cases, testosterone therapy can even accelerate the growth of aggressive prostate cancer cells.
The NHS has reported a significant increase in referrals to hormone clinics over the past few years, with many men seeking treatment without being properly diagnosed or assessed. Doctors are now urging men to think twice before seeking testosterone therapy, and to instead seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals who can provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
As one doctor noted, "The idea that low testosterone is a sign of masculinity is just not supported by the evidence." He added that, "We need to educate people about the risks of testosterone therapy and ensure that they are getting proper care from their GP or specialist before they even consider seeking treatment."
In response to these concerns, social media platforms have been called upon to take greater responsibility for regulating the spread of misinformation. Many influencers and celebrities who have promoted testosterone therapy as a solution to low libido or fatigue have since apologized for spreading false information.
The issue highlights the need for better education and awareness about testosterone and its effects on men's health. By promoting accurate information and supporting trusted healthcare professionals, we can work towards reducing the number of men seeking unneeded testosterone therapy and ensuring that they receive proper care and treatment instead.