Zé Felipe’s Testosterone Therapy Draws Scrutiny to Brazil’s ‘Testosterone Chip’ Risks and Rules

Overview

• The 27-year-old singer said he started testosterone replacement via an implant after tests showed low testosterone and high cortisol tied to poor sleep, reporting more energy afterward.
• Specialists explain the so-called chip is a subcutaneous pellet that releases testosterone gradually for about 6 to 12 months, and in Brazil pellets are compounded rather than industrially manufactured.
• Society guidance recommends confirming low levels with at least two morning tests in patients who have compatible symptoms, with dosing and follow-up managed by physicians.
• Anvisa restricts manipulated androgenic implants for cosmetic aims, muscle gain or performance, a stance aligned with 2023 appeals from Brazilian medical societies.
• Experts warn that nonindicated or unsupervised use can cause serious harm, including heart attack, thromboembolism, stroke and reduced fertility, and note that appropriate therapy may also involve gels or injections.