The US Department of Defense is introducing mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for military personnel aged 30 and above as part of their annual health assessments. Announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the initiative is aimed at identifying troops with low testosterone levels and offering treatment where medically necessary.
The programme has sparked debate in the US, with supporters calling it a step towards better troop health, while critics have questioned why similar hormone screening has not been announced for female service members.
What is testosterone screening?
Testosterone screening is a blood test that measures the level of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone responsible for muscle strength, bone health, sperm production, energy levels and sex drive.
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According to the Pentagon, all active-duty and reserve personnel aged 30 or older will undergo mandatory testing during their Periodic Health Assessment. Those below 30 can request the screening voluntarily.
Troops diagnosed with low testosterone will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy.
Why is the US military introducing it?
Explaining the move in a video posted on X, Hegseth said the goal is to ensure troops are physically prepared for military duties.
“You have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best”.
He also said the programme is focused on long-term health rather than performance enhancement.
“We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this programme delivers on that obligation.”
“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,” he added.
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The Defence Department clarified that testosterone use without medical need remains prohibited.
Hegseth stressed that the initiative is “not about artificial enhancement”.
The High-T Department of War. pic.twitter.com/hlAUq3j2cD
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026
Who could benefit?
Testosterone levels generally begin to decline between the ages of 30 and 40. Low testosterone has been linked to reduced muscle mass, fatigue, lower sex drive and depression.
Per BBC, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the programme would help establish a health baseline and provide treatment where required.
“The protocol will enable the Department to establish a comprehensive baseline and offer targeted testosterone therapy, ensuring that it sustains a healthy, capable, and decisively dominant fighting force.”
Medical experts have welcomed screening but urged caution over treatment. Dr Mohit Khera, who previously led an FDA expert panel on testosterone use in the military, told BBC that the screening can identify health issues but warned that hormone therapy should only be used when symptoms are present.
He also noted that testosterone therapy may increase muscle mass and improve bone health, but it can affect fertility and may carry cardiovascular risks, making careful medical evaluation essential before treatment.
FAQs:
What is testosterone screening?
It is a blood test that measures testosterone levels to detect hormone deficiency.
Who will undergo testosterone screening in the US military?
Active-duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and above will be screened annually, while younger troops can opt in voluntarily.
