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A surge in men seeking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) fueled by misleading social media claims is raising alarm among doctors, who warn of unnecessary medication and potential health risks. The trend is impacting both private clinics and the National Health service.
The Rise of ‘Low T’ and a Growing Public Health Concern
Doctors are seeing a dramatic increase in men pursuing testosterone treatment, often without a genuine medical need.
- Private clinics are aggressively marketing TRT to young men, promising increased energy, reduced body fat, and a higher sex drive.
- Doctors warn that TRT carries risks, including infertility and cardiovascular problems, and is only appropriate for those with a confirmed testosterone deficiency.
- The number of men seeking TRT has risen sharply, straining healthcare resources and prompting concerns about the influence of “manosphere” culture.
What is testosterone replacement therapy, and who should actually be receiving it? TRT is a medical treatment designed for individuals with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism-a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone-or for those with specific medical conditions like testicular cancer or who never underwent puberty. It’s not a speedy fix for fatigue or low libido in or else healthy men.
Promotional campaigns by private clinics are leveraging social media influencers and even advertisements in the London Underground to encourage men to test their testosterone levels, frequently enough framing normal fluctuations as a deficiency. One advertisement asks, “Do you wish you could have more energy? Less body fat? A higher sex drive?” implying costly treatments are the answer.
Professor Channa Jayasena of endocrinology at Imperial College noted a significant increase in referrals to the NHS from men who have already been diagnosed privately. “It’s a huge problem for us, which is impacting our ability to treat other patients,” he said. The number of men referred to NHS specialists after private di
One provider, Harley Street TRT, advertises “Testosterone therapy from £99” reads one ad for a Harley Street provider. Ex-commando and television personality Jason Fox promotes online provider Voy with the message, “If you don’t feel like you’re firing on all cylinders, take a test.” Harley Street TRT even targets young men with a “25 plus” setting on its Meta ads, offering personal trainers £50 per referral.
Despite the medical community’s concerns, some men report positive experiences with TRT. Gavin McNamee, a 41-year-old personal trainer from north-east England, said he experienced improved mental health and energy levels after five months of treatment, stating, “I just feel so much better…I feel like a different person.” Carl Graham, a 38-year-old legal administrator from Liverpool, echoed this sentiment after six months on TRT, also paying between £100 to £200 a month for privately prescribed injections.
Studies in the United States and Europe have documented a decades-long decline in testosterone levels, which scientists attribute to lifestyle and environmental factors. Though, experts emphasize that this doesn’t justify widespread, indiscriminate TRT prescriptions.