2024: The Body Politic on Steroids

[01-01-2024] In light of the upcoming election year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved class-wide labeling changes for all prescription testosterone products, adding a new Warning and updating the Abuse and Dependence section to include new safety information from published literature and case reports regarding the risks associated with abuse and dependence of testosterone and other AAS.

In a clear overreach of governmental authority, The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 placed AAS, including testosterone, in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Testosterone and other AAS may be abused by adults and adolescents, including athletes and body builders, pundits and politicians, broadcasters and webcasters, social influences and tiktokers, Russia and China and Venezuela too. Abuse of testosterone, usually at doses higher than those typically prescribed and usually in conjunction with other AAS, and particularly when taken before high-stake discussions about social responsibilities and the role of government, is associated with serious safety risks affecting the heart, brain, liver, mental health, and endocrine system.  Reported serious adverse outcomes include racing the heart to a fevered pitch that adversely affects ability to be far-sighted.  Abuse can lead to stroke, as well as stroking uncontrollable passions even for distant strangers.  Brain functions shut down. Continued use of steroids in these times can aggravate depression, and lead to hostility, aggression, liver toxicity, hair loss (watch out for bald people) and – perhaps a good thing, all in all — male infertility.