Doctor admits drug misconduct charges

Dr Glenn Twentyman in 2006. File photo / NZ Herald

A doctor has admitted 20 misconduct charges relating to the inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of human growth hormone and anabolic steroids.

Dr Glenn Twentyman, who works for High Street Men's Clinic, can now be named after he withdrew an application for continued name suppression at a Medical Council professional conduct committee hearing in Auckland this morning.

He has admitted prescribing the drugs - which are popular with body builders and power athletes - without conducting appropriate clinical investigations. He also admitted failing to conduct follow up investigations and ongoing monitoring of patients, some of whom later reported complications associated with the ongoing use of the drugs.

All of the patients the offenses relate to have permanent name suppression.

Dr Twentyman also admitted charges relating to the prescription of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

According to its website, Men's Clinic offers a discreet service offering prescription and natural-based solutions for conditions such as low libido, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Treatments offered include hormone therapy.

In 2006, Dr Twentyman made headlines when he suggested wearing hoodies may be bad for health as they contributed to Vitamin D deficiency.

"It's the hoodies and the hats and the downward glance of the teenagers, shading your face all the time," he said at the time, when he was working at the Child, Youth and Family Services' youth justice centre at Wiri.