Women Buy Testosterone Online Amidst NHS Woes

Women in Wales are resorting to purchasing testosterone from online pharmacies due to difficulties in obtaining NHS prescriptions, according to a consultant. This trend has seen a "very sharp increase" in referrals for post-menopausal women seeking the hormone. Some women have been found with dangerously high levels, risking severe side effects like baldness and voice deepening.

Specialists are calling for a unified approach to testosterone prescribing across Wales, noting that access varies significantly between health boards. Currently, the hormone is prescribed for reduced libido, with ongoing research into its effects on energy and cognition. The lack of a UK-licensed female testosterone product contributes to the disparity, with male products being prescribed off-label.

Many women report their GPs are reluctant to prescribe testosterone, or that their surgeries won't offer it at all. This 'postcode lottery' forces some to seek private consultations or even pose as men to buy medication online at a lower cost. Experts stress that while testosterone can benefit some women, it is not a universal solution and requires careful counseling and monitoring.