Pentagon implements mandatory testosterone testing for male troops aged 30 and older

<p>The Pentagon on Wednesday issued clinical guidelines establishing a new mandatory testosterone deficiency screening policy for active-duty and reserve service members ages 30 and up.</p><p>This announcement follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's authorization of the screening program in July, aimed at ensuring that troops maintain optimal testosterone levels for operational effectiveness.</p><p>Hegseth stated, "Taking care of your long-term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable — not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life, so you can thrive long after you take off the uniform." </p><p>Under the new guidelines, effective immediately, men aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested only upon request or if clinicians identify warning signs.</p><p>Men with low testosterone levels may receive further evaluation and, if deemed clinically appropriate, may be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy.</p><p>Testosterone levels typically increase during puberty and are essential for muscle strength, body hair development, and sperm production. Testosterone levels in men generally begin to decline between the ages of 30 and 40.</p><p>Women will not be required to undergo routine testosterone blood tests, but they will be screened for fatigue and disrupted menstrual cycles, which can be linked to hormonal dysregulation and conditions such as low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport.</p><p>The guidelines also outline when it is appropriate to prescribe off-label testosterone for women, particularly postmenopausal women experiencing unusually low sexual desire.</p><p>Testosterone use for non-medical purposes, including performance enhancement without a doctor's prescription, remains prohibited in the military.</p><p>The Pentagon stated that the standardized screening and treatment pathways for both men and women aim to enhance military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues.</p><p>Some endocrinologists and medical experts have expressed concerns that broad testosterone testing could result in unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments, citing insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of universal screening for low testosterone among service members in improving military readiness.</p><p>The Food and Drug Administration plans to hold a meeting later this month with experts to discuss the medical use of testosterone.</p><p>Reuters contributed to this report.</p>