Brazil health experts warn against unprescribed testosterone use

Health authorities and medical professionals in Brazil are warning against the rising trend of using testosterone as a ‘youth hormone’ for aesthetic or performance purposes without medical supervision. Data from Anvisa shows that sales of testosterone-based steroids in Brazil surged by 670% over a five-year period, rising from approximately 1.1 million units in 2018 to over 7.3 million in 2023.

Medical experts emphasize that testosterone replacement is not a universal necessity for aging individuals, particularly women over 40. While social media often promotes the hormone to combat fatigue, low libido, and aging, doctors note that these symptoms can stem from various causes, including sleep issues, stress, emotional factors, or other hormonal imbalances.

Clinical guidelines, including those from the Endocrine Society, stress that treatment should only be prescribed based on confirmed hormonal deficiencies through clinical investigation and laboratory tests. Experts warn that using the hormone as a supplement to elevate levels above normal ranges, rather than for medical deficiency, carries significant health risks.