IN MY VIEW... BAN ADVERTS SELLING MEN FALSE HOPE

TESTOSTERONE supplements appear to be having a moment — but I would warn vociferously against their use.

Recently, I saw an advert claiming that such ‘boosters’ could be used without prescription as an alternative to ‘the little blue pill’ (i.e. Viagra). This misleads people into believing the hormone is suitable for treating erectile problems — not only untruthful but dangerous.

Testosterone use in healthy men has been shown to increase muscle bulk and strength, which is why bodybuilders might take illegally obtained versions. But there is no evidence it boosts sexual drive or performance (unless prescribed for someone with a deficiency).

In fact, as some is converted naturally into oestrogen, an excess of it will see a man’s breasts grow and testes shrink.

And there are worse side-effects still: reports of sudden death in young athletes with no known heart disease; proven adverse effects on cholesterol; excessive thickening of blood; possibly dangerous activation of the blood clotting system; and psychiatric symptoms including major mood disorders and aggressive, even criminal, behaviour.

All these dangers, and the supplements won’t even do what they say on the tin. They won’t improve a man’s sex life — and could even make it worse.