An unmapped population of Greek men, mostly over 50, is turning to the black market for testosterone, encouraged by online ads and media influencers who portray age-related changes as medical problems.
Neoklis Georgopoulos, an endocrinology professor at the University of Patras, said testosterone should only be prescribed for men with low levels, warning that unsupervised use raises cancer risk and can permanently impair the body’s natural hormone production. Many men avoid prescriptions, despite low cost, to keep the use off medical records, fueling illegal demand.
Last month, police raided a pharmacy and two companies in Halandri, seizing testosterone products labeled as “face cream” and “Vitamin D” and exported abroad, including to Spain and Finland. Court documents cite 15,000 packages shipped to clients and clinics overseas. Defendants deny wrongdoing and were released after questioning.
