Women pose as men to buy testosterone online after prescription difficulties
Women in Wales are posing as men to buy testosterone online due to difficulties getting NHS prescriptions, leading to a sharp increase in referrals for post-menopausal women. A consultant warns of severe health risks from unmonitored high doses and advocates for equitable access and proper medical guidance.
Why it matters
This highlights significant issues in healthcare access and regulation, particularly for women's health, and the dangers of unregulated online drug purchases. It points to systemic problems in prescription guidelines and equitable care within the NHS.
Image caption, Testosterone is sometimes prescribed to post-menopausal women who are already taking other forms of HRT but are still struggling with symptoms like low libido
Wales health correspondent Published 4 hours ago Women are posing as men to buy testosterone from online pharmacies because of difficulties getting NHS prescriptions in Wales, according to a consultant.
There has been a "very sharp increase" in testosterone referrals to the NHS for post-menopausal women, but access varies between health boards.
Menopause specialist Dr Michelle Olver said she had seen women with up to 12 times the safe level of the hormone - risking permanent side effects - because they have bought online.
She would like to see an equitable all-Wales approach to testosterone prescribing, with it used to help with things such as libido.
The Welsh government said: "All health boards are expected to provide individualised care."
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