We’re breathing a collective sigh of relief here at QueerDoc. The DEA and HHS just extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through December 31, 2025. For our transgender and gender diverse community—many of whom rely on testosterone as part of their care—this decision is deeply personal.
At QueerDoc, it’s not just about the work we do. Many of us are directly impacted by these policies, too. This isn’t abstract. It’s our lives, our friends, our families, and our futures.
Why Telemedicine Flexibilities Matter
Let’s get into why this matters so much. The Ryan Haight Act, passed in 2008, requires an in-person evaluation before prescribing controlled substances. The law aimed to stop harmful online pharmacies, but in practice, it created enormous barriers to care. Then came the pandemic, and with it, a silver lining: temporary exceptions allowed telemedicine prescribing without the need for in-person visits. For the first time, access to critical medications like testosterone became much easier for many in our community.
Now, thanks to this extension, that access will continue—at least for the next year. This decision isn’t just convenient; it’s life-saving. If you want to learn more about the proposed rule and our critique read our blog, “DEA Docket 407.”
Testosterone Access: Why the System Is Broken
Testosterone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, lumped in with drugs that are supposedly prone to abuse. This classification imposes unnecessary restrictions—like in-person visits, refill limits, and costly DEA registration fees for providers. For many transgender and gender diverse people, these barriers are insurmountable.
We’ve seen firsthand how this plays out. Patients who already face discrimination in healthcare are forced to navigate even more hurdles to get care. They drive hours to find an affirming provider. They delay care because of stigma or fear. And they risk being outed just to access basic medical treatment.
We’re not exaggerating when we say telemedicine has been a lifeline. By allowing patients to receive care from the safety of their homes, these flexibilities have saved lives. And as providers, it’s allowed us to connect with people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Testosterone Shouldn’t Be Controlled at All
Here’s the thing: testosterone shouldn’t be on the controlled substances list in the first place. Its inclusion in 1990 was a political move fueled by fears of steroid abuse in sports—not based on science. Back then, the FDA, DEA, and AMA all opposed its scheduling because it didn’t meet the criteria for abuse or dependency. They were overruled. And here we are, decades later, still dealing with the fallout.
For transgender and gender diverse individuals, the consequences of this misclassification are devastating. As scholar Toby Beauchamp argues, the regulation of testosterone is tied to cultural anxieties about bodily fluidity and gender nonconformity. These outdated fears continue to harm our community, reinforcing stigma and limiting access to care.
We believe testosterone should be removed from the controlled substances list altogether. It’s time to treat this medication like the essential, life-saving treatment it is.
A Call to Action
This extension is a win, but it’s just one step. At QueerDoc, we’re not stopping here. We’re fighting for systemic changes because the current system is rooted in harm.
- Abolish the DEA: We believe the DEA, born out of the racist “War on Drugs,” has no place in regulating healthcare. We need a public health approach, not law enforcement oversight.
- The Right to Telemedicine: We’re calling on policymakers to permanently enshrine telemedicine options. This isn’t a temporary fix—it’s a necessity for equitable healthcare.
- Deschedule T: We’re advocating for the descheduling of testosterone. This one change would eliminate so many barriers and allow more providers to offer care without fear of legal or financial repercussions.
And we’re asking you to join us. Contact your representatives. Tell them why telemedicine and testosterone access matter. This issue has bipartisan support—your voice can make a difference. You can find additional resources to help inform your advocacy on our previous blog, “Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances- DEA Docket 407 Advocacy Resources.”
Why We Fight
At QueerDoc, our work is personal. We’re not just providers; we’re part of this community. We know what it feels like to face barriers to care. We know what it means to live in a system that wasn’t built for us. And that’s why we fight every day to make things better—not just for our patients, but for ourselves, our friends, and our families.
Access to gender affirming care isn’t optional. It’s essential. And with your help, we can ensure it stays that way.
