Pentagon makes testosterone deficiency screening mandatory for male military personnel age 30 and older

The Pentagon is making testosterone deficiency screening mandatory for male soldiers aged 30 and over, defining the relevant provisions, based on what was ordered in recent weeks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Defense Health Agency has released a set of clinical guidelines for the tests, which will be performed during routine military health checks.

The measures include screening and blood tests for active duty personnel and reservists aged 30 and over. Servicemembers diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, will be guaranteed further screening and treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy, if necessary.

In July, Hegseth said that if treatment was recommended, "the choice to undergo testosterone replacement therapy would be entirely up to the soldier." Soldiers under the age of 30 will be offered the opportunity to undergo optional annual screenings. The guidelines also establish that female soldiers are asked if they present symptoms of hormonal imbalance and that, if necessary, they are referred for further tests.

In a statement, the Defense Department said the goal is to "invest in the health of its warfighters, enhance their performance, and maximize the force's operational readiness." The screening initiative comes two and a half months after Hegseth's announcement - released via a social media video titled 'The High-T Department of War' - that mandatory screening would be introduced.