U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said service members aged 30 and older must undergo mandatory annual testosterone deficiency screenings [1].
The initiative aims to ensure military readiness by identifying hormonal imbalances that may impair physical and mental performance in the field. By integrating these screenings into regular medical evaluations, the Department of Defense seeks to optimize the health of its aging workforce.
Under the new directive, the screenings will be conducted once per year [2]. Service members who are found to have deficient testosterone levels will be offered optional hormone-replacement therapy to address the deficiency. The program will be implemented across U.S. military installations worldwide [3].
Hegseth said the move is part of a broader commitment to providing high-quality medical support to the armed forces. "We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation," Hegseth said [4].
The policy focuses specifically on those 30 years and older [1]. This age threshold targets the demographic most likely to experience a natural decline in testosterone, which can impact muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function, all critical factors for operational efficiency.
While the screenings are mandatory, the subsequent medical treatment remains a choice for the individual service member. The Department of Defense has not yet released the specific clinical guidelines that will define a "deficient" level for the purposes of this program.
“"We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation."”
This policy represents a shift toward proactive endocrine management within the U.S. military. By normalizing testosterone screening, the Department of Defense is treating hormonal health as a key component of combat readiness and long-term health for mid-to-late career service members.
