Social Media Health Tests: Risks of MRIs, Testosterone & Fertility Scans

The pursuit of wellness is a powerful motivator, and increasingly, people are turning to social media for guidance on taking control of their health. But a growing chorus of experts is warning that not all information shared by influencers is created equal – and that some popular medical tests, heavily promoted online, may do more harm than good. A University of Sydney-led study, published in JAMA Network Open, has highlighted a concerning trend: the widespread promotion of medically questionable tests by social media personalities, often with undisclosed financial ties and a lack of scientific backing.

The Tests Under Scrutiny

The research focused on three tests in particular: full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, blood tests for testosterone levels, and the Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test, sometimes referred to as the “egg-timer” test. These tests are being marketed as proactive tools for early disease detection and personalized health management, but experts caution that their benefits are often overstated, and the potential risks are frequently downplayed. A fourth test, genetic testing claiming to identify early signs of 50 cancers, and gut microbiome tests were similarly included in the study.

Dr. Brooke Nickel, a senior research fellow at the Sydney Health Literacy Lab and lead author of the study, explains that the core problem lies in the lack of transparency and the misleading nature of much of the content. “They are being promoted under the guise of early screening, as a way to take control of your own health,” she says. “The problem is they are unnecessary for most people and, in some cases, the science backing their efficacy is shaky.” The study found that 85 percent of the posts analyzed did not mention any test downsides or risks.

Full-Body MRIs: A Search for What Isn’t There?

The allure of a full-body MRI is understandable – the idea of detecting potential health problems before symptoms arise is appealing. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have publicly endorsed the scan, further fueling its popularity. Yet, leading medical bodies, including the Royal Australian and Recent Zealand College of Radiologists, specifically advise against routine full-body MRIs in healthy individuals.

The concern is that these scans often detect “incidental findings” – abnormalities that are unlikely to cause harm but can trigger anxiety and lead to unnecessary follow-up tests and procedures, including potentially invasive interventions like biopsies or even surgery. As research suggests, overdiagnosis can lead to treatments that offer no benefit and carry their own risks.

The AMH Test: A Misleading Measure of Fertility

The AMH test, marketed as a way for women to assess their fertility and reproductive timeline, is also facing scrutiny. Dr. Nickel clarifies that the test is primarily useful in the context of IVF treatment for women already experiencing infertility. Wiser Healthcare provides evidence-based information about the AMH test and its limitations. However, it is not a reliable indicator of fertility in the general population.

The potential harms of widespread AMH testing are primarily psychological. Women may receive inaccurate or misleading information about their reproductive potential, leading to unnecessary anxiety, pressure to rush into parenthood, or the pursuit of expensive and potentially unnecessary treatments like elective egg-freezing or IVF.

Testosterone Tests: Fueling a Cycle of Supplementation

Testosterone tests are frequently promoted to men as a way to identify and address “low T,” often with the implication that supplementation can improve energy levels, muscle mass, and overall well-being. However, experts warn that this marketing tactic can be harmful. Influencers associated with the “manosphere” are particularly active in promoting these tests, often targeting young men with messages suggesting they have suboptimal testosterone levels.

In healthy men who do not genuinely require testosterone supplementation, the practice carries risks such as blood clotting, impaired fertility, and potential links to heart conditions. Accessing clinical-grade testosterone supplements often requires navigating unregulated or hidden markets, increasing the risk of counterfeit products and adverse effects.

The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Testing

One of the key factors driving the proliferation of these tests is the rise of direct-to-consumer marketing. Many medical tests that traditionally required a doctor’s order are now readily available online, often with minimal oversight. This allows companies to bypass the need for a healthcare professional to determine medical necessity and market their products directly to consumers.

The University of Sydney research team is launching a campaign to combat this misinformation, releasing weekly videos on social media platforms and partnering with medical colleges to provide evidence-based information about these tests. The goal is to empower individuals to develop informed decisions about their health, based on sound scientific evidence rather than persuasive marketing tactics.

disease prevention remains the cornerstone of good health. This involves adopting a healthy lifestyle – eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and maintaining strong social connections – and seeking medical attention when symptoms arise. The pursuit of wellness should be guided by evidence-based practices and the advice of qualified healthcare professionals, not by the promises of influencers and the allure of unproven medical tests.