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The DO

The unseen risks: Rising testosterone use among youth without medical indication

By The DO Staff

03.12.26

Physique-focused culture has exploded among adolescents and young adults, as has the nonmedical use of exogenous testosterone. Often obtained through nontraditional sources such as medical spas, online clinics or street vendors, testosterone is increasingly used to enhance athletic performance, build muscle or sculpt an “ideal” body image with the goal of attaining an unachievable physique. Many youth are also experimenting with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).