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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
The U.S. Pentagon has rolled out immediate, mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's July announcement. The policy sets standardized screening and treatment pathways for both men and women, framed as a military readiness initiative. But many doctors are pushing back, saying there's little evidence that universal testosterone screening improves combat performance.
The U.S. Pentagon has issued detailed, immediately effective guidance for a mandatory testosterone deficiency screening program covering all active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older. The policy, a follow-up to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's July announcement, establishes standardized screening and treatment pathways for both men and women — framed as a way to boost military readiness by identifying hormonal and energy-availability issues.
For men 30 and older, mandatory testosterone blood tests are now required; younger men can request testing or be flagged by clinicians. Women won't face routine blood tests, but will be screened for fatigue and menstrual irregularities linked to hormonal dysregulation. The guidance also outlines when off-label testosterone prescribing is appropriate for women — primarily postmenopausal patients with low sexual desire.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Medical experts warn that broad, mandatory testosterone screening could drive unnecessary or potentially harmful treatment, with little scientific evidence that universal testing improves combat readiness. The policy also arrives amid broader HHS moves to ease testosterone therapy restrictions — adding to an already complex clinical and regulatory landscape.
