Overselling hysteria

O n February 4, 2014, The New York Times published an editorial “Overselling testosterone, dangerously”, in which it alleged that the rise in testosterone prescriptions was medically unwarranted, and that scientific studies suggesting an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) provided “the most compelling evidence yet that many American men have embarked on a perilous course of overtreatment” [1]. This editorial was the most prominent among a flood of similar stories, and it provided an authoritative position by virtue of the reputation of the NY Times as a leader in mainstream media. In this article, we use this case—the studies on the alleged risk of testosterone treatment and the ensuing media coverage—to discuss how the media often promote a false narrative that negatively impacts public health and policy. ...................................................... “. . . media reporting of medical studies has been shown to influence not only popular opinion, but also the opinion of healthcare providers and regulatory authorities.” ......................................................