Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

Health · 2 September 2026

Women pose as men to buy testosterone online due to NHS difficulties

Women pose as men to buy testosterone online due to NHS difficulties

Image by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Freepik

Some women in Wales are falsely presenting as men to acquire testosterone from internet pharmacies, as they are unable to obtain NHS prescriptions. A menopause specialist, Dr Michelle Olver, said she's seen women with dangerously high hormone levels from buying online. The issue arises despite an increase in referrals, due to differing access across health boards in Wales.

Reported by bbc.co.uk · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Why are NHS prescriptions difficult? Why is testosterone prescribed? What are hormone risks?

More briefs

HealthHealth Secretary Orders Plan to End Corridor Care for Children HealthUK to add folic acid to flour: Why now, and what's the catch? HealthNHS boards delay cataract surgery 16 weeks, 1 in 5 seek emergency care. HealthUK Covid cases up 230% as new autumn variant spreads HealthNorthern Ireland Doctors to Strike Over Missing 3.5% Pay Rise HealthYvette Cooper Pledges £140m for NHS Urgent Care Before Winter More health stories → Browse all stories →