The US Pentagon has introduced new clinical guidelines requiring active-duty and reserve military personnel aged 30 and older to be screened for testosterone deficiency. The policy has taken effect immediately, according to Reuters.
The move follows an order announced by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in July. The Pentagon says the main goal is to improve military readiness by detecting and addressing hormonal issues, fatigue and problems linked to low energy among service members.
Men to receive annual testosterone tests
Under the new policy, male service members aged 30 and above will undergo blood tests for testosterone deficiency every year. The testing will be included in their regular medical evaluations. Men under the age of 30 will not face routine testosterone screening. However, they can request a test if they have concerns. Doctors can also order testing when a younger service member shows symptoms that could point to low testosterone.
The Pentagon has taken a different approach for female personnel. Women in the military will not be required to undergo regular testosterone blood tests. Instead, healthcare providers will assess them for symptoms that could indicate hormonal problems or insufficient energy availability.
These symptoms can include persistent fatigue and changes or disruptions in menstrual cycles. The guidelines also provide doctors with guidance on testosterone treatment for certain postmenopausal women. In specific cases, testosterone may be prescribed on an off-label basis, particularly for women experiencing unusually low sexual desire.
Hegseth says hormone health is linked to readiness
The new policy forms part of Hegseth's broader focus on the physical condition and operational readiness of US military personnel. The Defence Secretary has promoted testosterone screening as a way to identify health problems that could affect the performance and long-term readiness of service members.
The Pentagon has also pointed to hormonal and metabolic concerns among personnel who work in physically demanding and high-stress environments. By introducing common screening and treatment guidelines, the military aims to create a more consistent approach to identifying and managing testosterone-related problems across the armed forces.
Medical experts raise concerns
The decision has also attracted criticism from some medical professionals. Experts have questioned whether routinely screening large numbers of otherwise healthy military personnel for testosterone deficiency is adequately supported by medical evidence.
Doctors have warned that broad testing could identify low testosterone levels in people who may not require treatment. They argue that test results should be considered alongside symptoms, medical history and other clinical factors before any treatment is prescribed.
Unnecessary testosterone therapy can also carry health risks. These may include infertility and other potential side effects, particularly when treatment is given without a clear medical need.
FDA to examine testosterone treatment
The debate comes as the US Food and Drug Administration prepares to hold an expert meeting in September. The meeting is expected to examine the medical use of testosterone and related concerns.
The discussion could provide further scrutiny of how testosterone deficiency should be diagnosed and treated, particularly as the Pentagon begins implementing its new screening policy across the US military.