Steroids can be abused—like many other substances, addictive or not. The DEA’s classification of steroids, as well as some other medications, reflects a moment in history. Due to laws that regulate drug distribution and prescriptions, Schedule III substances require more oversight from prescribers and pharmacies. For more comprehensive information on hormone therapy, visit The Endocrine Society or consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice. However, when used appropriately under medical supervision, testosterone therapy can provide substantial health benefits, particularly for those with low hormone levels. In conclusion, testosterone is indeed classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and the significant impact it can have on health. It is essential for individuals considering testosterone therapy to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for their specific health needs. Testosterone therapy is legal when prescribed by a healthcare provider for legitimate medical reasons. The classification of testosterone as a controlled substance varies by country, but in many places, it is tightly regulated due to its potential for misuse and abuse. "Given the label restriction, one can make the argument that thousands of patients in need of testosterone therapy have been and are being deprived of it," said Dr. John Mulhall, a panelist and urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. GLP-1 therapy supports appetite regulation and blood sugar control to help men achieve steady, sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health. Testosterone Cypionate provides long-acting hormone support through periodic injections that maintain steady testosterone levels. These check-ups allow your doctor to monitor your response to testosterone and catch any potential issues early. Overusing testosterone can put a lot of strain on your kidneys, potentially leading to significant renal issues over time. Misusing testosterone can wreak havoc on your heart and blood vessels. Testosterone misuse can affect your brain, impairing your ability to recognize social cues and emotions, and causing headaches, which can affect your daily interactions and mental health. Embassy website for the destination country may contain medication-specific warnings (Figure 2.6.1). The INCB website often provides an official contact in the destination country to answer specific medication questions that travelers may have. In some cases, this may be a certificate endorsed by the health authorities of the traveler's country of residence, and in other cases this may be a certificate issued by the destination country. For some countries, the percentage of THC in a CBD-containing product determines whether it is legal. Often classified as an herbal supplement, CBD itself is not psychoactive but is still controlled in some countries. Mifepristone, an antiprogestogen, is approved in many countries for emergency contraception and termination of pregnancy. In the United States, testosterone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Panelists compared current testosterone regulation to past overcorrections in women’s hormone therapy, where exaggerated risk narratives delayed care for decades. Today, many experts argue it no longer reflects how testosterone is actually used in healthcare. Schedule III classification places testosterone alongside substances considered to have moderate abuse potential. In order to provide healthcare services to you and give you medically appropriate care, we are required to get a recent blood pressure reading. Our team of healthcare providers does everything possible to make sure you have the hormones you need. Using T as a gender-affirming medication is very safe when you work with a healthcare provider who understands your transition goals. Each state’s laws are different, so talk to your healthcare team if you have questions. Because testosterone is a Schedule III drug, your care team will need to take extra steps to get you your prescription. (If you’re not sure what you need to do to access T, reach out to your healthcare team in our app to learn more.) Regardless of why someone takes T, it is still considered a controlled substance. Clinical guidelines say it’s safe to use this medication for gender-affirming hormone therapy. That means that even in states with less strict guidelines, you may still face some barriers to receiving your medication. These changes tend to plateau within the first three years of T as your body adjusts to the medication’s masculinizing effects. However, when used under the supervision of a medical provider, these risks are minimal. For example, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, along with LSD and heroin. Steroids do not have psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects, and little was known about them in 1990 apart from their use as performance-enhancing drugs. This was somewhat of a misnomer, as the Controlled Substances Act was intended to restrict the prescription and distribution of psychoactive drugs, such as hallucinogens. The public outcry caused the DEA to categorize all steroids as Schedule III. After that point, some men experience short-term symptoms such as fatigue, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, as well as long-term ones like osteoporosis. Typically, men’s testosterone levels decline about 1% per year starting in their 30s or 40s. Now-Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Newsmax in 2023 that he was taking testosterone replacement at the time as part of an "anti-aging protocol." "I think it’s an increase in the demand for a drug that can make it easier to have physiques that we see in superhero movies." "It’s not that there is an increase in the prevalence of testosterone deficiency," said Dr. Bobby Najari, a urologist at NYU Langone Health, who was not part of Wednesday’s discussion.