Pentagon mandates testosterone screening for male troops 30 and older

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that male service members aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory testosterone blood tests, according to new clinical guidelines. The policy, effective immediately, was announced following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July statement that the screening aims to ensure troops have optimal testosterone levels to perform at their best.

Hegseth emphasized that maintaining long-term health and resilience is crucial for service members, noting the importance of hormonal health beyond deployment. Under the new guidelines, men in this age group must be tested, while younger men will be tested only if requested or if clinicians observe warning signs. Those found with low testosterone may undergo further evaluation and, if appropriate, be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy.

Testosterone levels naturally decline in men between ages 30 and 40, affecting muscle development, body hair, and sperm production. Women will not be subject to routine testosterone testing but will be screened for symptoms such as fatigue and menstrual irregularities that could indicate hormonal issues. The military also outlined guidelines for prescribing testosterone off-label, particularly for postmenopausal women experiencing low sexual desire.

The Pentagon stated that these screening protocols aim to improve readiness by addressing hormonal and energy-availability issues. However, some medical experts have expressed concerns that broad testing could lead to unnecessary or harmful treatments, noting a lack of evidence that universal screening would enhance military performance. The Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to hold a meeting later this month with medical experts to discuss testosterone’s medical use.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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