Social media misinformation driving men to seek unneeded NHS testosterone therapy, doctors say (www.theguardian.com)
from HellsBelle@sh.itjust.works to world@lemmy.world on 08 Nov 16:40
https://sh.itjust.works/post/49440724

Social media misinformation is driving men to NHS clinics in search of testosterone therapy they don’t need, adding pressure to already stretched waiting lists, doctors have said.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a prescription-only treatment recommended under national guidelines for men with a clinically proven deficiency, confirmed by symptoms and repeated blood tests.

But a wave of viral videos on TikTok and Instagram have begun marketing blood tests as a means of accessing testosterone as lifestyle supplement, advertising the hormone as a solution to problems such as low energy levels, poor concentration and reduced sex drive.

#world

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rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works on 08 Nov 17:18 next collapse

Social media misinformation is driving men to NHS clinics in search of testosterone therapy they don’t need, adding pressure to already stretched waiting lists, doctors have said.

So social media is driving men to go get an annual checkup where the doctor does a blood sample and tests for low-T?

Well fuck, I get that every six months and it doesn’t seem to stress my doctor out at all. They also check my cholesterol and a bunch of other shit I don’t pretend to understand. I’m a special case though and have to go twice a year.

edit: I guess I’m saying that the NHS is a bit underfunded if they can’t provide a blood test for everyone once a year.

protist@mander.xyz on 09 Nov 13:11 next collapse

If you read the article, social media influencers are pushing private 3rd-party blood tests that return with a recommendation to get testosterone supplementation. People are showing up to appointments asking for testosterone based on these tests rather than based on any conversation with their doctor

REDACTED@infosec.pub on 11 Nov 21:56 collapse

I’m a special case though

You should put this info at the start of the comment so that people don’t read the entire comment looking for something useful, but also, do you really not understand the difference between a test/checkup and therapy? Because you quoted the part about therapies, but started talking about tests

rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works on 12 Nov 00:25 collapse

No. What is the difference between a test and therapy?

negativenull@piefed.world on 08 Nov 17:21 next collapse

Gender Affirming Care?!?

bcgm3@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 13:48 next collapse

There’s a local talk radio station I sometimes enjoy, that’s been pushing this product/service a lot lately. The ad copy is exactly like all those old generic boner pill ads (which I never hear anymore, interestingly)… The setup is a list of typical male social anxieties plus vague stuff like ‘feeling tired,’ then they promise that more Testosterone is gonna fix all that up for you. Not surprising that it’d be sold on social media too.

Treczoks@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 23:57 collapse

Imagine what doctors in the US have to endure where television ads for prescription meds is considered normal…

Armillarian@pawb.social on 10 Nov 05:04 collapse

As not-american it also surprise me the supplement in US is cheaper than real food

gloktawasright@lemmy.world on 11 Nov 22:16 collapse

Supplements aren’t governed by our Food and Drug Admin and therefore aren’t required to be tested and up to code. Land of the free over here lol