Brazilian medical societies and the National Health Surveillance Agency, Anvisa, have warned against using testosterone for exclusively aesthetic purposes.
This alert targets the growing trend of using anabolic hormones to alter physical appearance. Because these substances can cause permanent organ damage and systemic failure, health authorities are emphasizing that such use is illegal and medically dangerous.
Anvisa said the agency prohibits the use of anabolic hormone implants, including gestrinona and testosterone, for aesthetic purposes in Brazil [4]. This reiteration of the ban came in May 2026, following a series of warnings issued throughout the previous year [4].
Earlier, in December 2025, the Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM), the Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO), and the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) released a joint statement [2]. The three organizations restricted the use of testosterone in women for aesthetic goals, citing a lack of medical justification for such prescriptions [2].
Medical entities said that using testosterone without a legitimate medical indication carries grave risks [1]. These risks include cardiovascular complications, hormonal imbalances, and hepatic alterations [1]. The warning specifically highlights the dangers associated with the so-called "beauty chip," a term often used to market hormonal implants for weight loss or muscle gain [3].
Health professionals said that these substances are intended for treating specific medical conditions, not for enhancing physical appearance. The joint statement by SBEM, FEBRASGO, and SBC emphasizes that the potential for severe side effects outweighs any perceived aesthetic benefit [2].
“"A Anvisa proíbe o uso de implantes de hormônios anabolizantes, como gestrinona e testosterona, para fins estéticos no Brasil."”
The coordinated effort between Brazil's primary endocrinology, cardiology, and gynecology societies and the national regulator signals a crackdown on the 'wellness' industry's misuse of prescription hormones. By framing the 'beauty chip' as a public health risk rather than a lifestyle choice, authorities are attempting to curb the unregulated market of hormonal implants that bypass standard medical necessity.
