US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new policy requiring all male US service members to undergo annual screening for testosterone deficiency. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth said the programme aims to ensure soldiers maintain healthy testosterone levels so they can perform at their best during military service.
However, the move has sparked debate among medical experts, with some warning that routine screening and unnecessary treatment could lead to inaccurate diagnoses and health risks.
New Policy Offers Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Under the new directive, male soldiers found to have low testosterone levels will have the option to begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), if doctors determine it is necessary.
While TRT can improve symptoms caused by hormone deficiency, experts say the treatment should only begin after proper medical evaluation and laboratory testing.
Some specialists have also raised concerns that widespread screening could result in overdiagnosis and expose healthy individuals to unnecessary medication.
Testosterone Naturally Declines With Age
Dr. David Chandy, Director of Endocrinology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, explained that testosterone levels naturally decrease as men grow older.
He said testosterone levels usually peak during the teenage years and twenties. After the age of 30, they typically decline by about one to two percent every year. By the time men reach their forties and fifties, some develop low testosterone, a condition known as onset hypogonadism.
Symptoms Can Overlap With Other Conditions
According to Dr. Chandy, men with low testosterone may experience fatigue, reduced sex drive, mood changes and loss of muscle mass. However, he stressed that these symptoms are not unique to testosterone deficiency.
Doctors must perform hormone tests before confirming the diagnosis because several other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Why Testosterone Is Important
Dr. Chandy explained that testosterone plays several important roles in the body. “Testosterone does many things in the body. It helps people have sex, build muscles, keep bones strong, have energy, and think clearly.”
He said testosterone replacement therapy can significantly improve the lives of men who genuinely have low hormone levels. “It can give them energy, it can help them want to have sex, and it can improve their overall quality of life,” Dr Chandy shared.
A study published in JAMA Network in May 2026 found that about one in ten men in the United States has clinically diagnosable low testosterone.
Experts Warn of Possible Side Effects
Although testosterone therapy offers benefits, doctors caution that it also carries risks. According to Dr. Chandy, testosterone replacement therapy may:
- Increase red blood cell production.
- Worsen sleep apnea.
- Reduce fertility by lowering sperm count.
- Cause prostate-related problems.
Because of these potential complications, doctors recommend using TRT only when medically necessary and under close supervision.
Women Also Produce Testosterone
Dr. Chandy said testosterone is not exclusive to men. Women also produce the hormone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. “It helps maintain their sex drive, it helps build muscles, it helps keep bones strong, and it gives them energy. As women get older, their testosterone levels go down. This happens especially after they go through menopause,” he explained.
Doctors Advise Against Self-Diagnosis
Dr. Chandy emphasised that people should never assume they have low testosterone based only on symptoms or advertisements promoting hormone therapy.
He advised anyone experiencing possible symptoms to consult a qualified hormone specialist and undergo proper testing before starting treatment.
“People should not try to diagnose themselves based on how they feel or what they see in advertisements. They need to go see a doctor who knows about hormones and take the tests to find out if they really have low testosterone.”
Medical Advice Remains Essential
Experts say testosterone deficiency is a treatable medical condition, but diagnosis should always rely on professional evaluation rather than self-assessment.
They also stress that while the US military's new screening programme aims to improve troop readiness, treatment decisions should remain personalised and based on confirmed medical need rather than routine screening alone.
Disclaimer*: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. This report is based on user-generated content from social media. JUSZNEWS has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.