Pentagon issues mandatory testosterone screening for male troops age 30 and older
The Pentagon issued clinical guidelines requiring testosterone blood tests for active-duty and reserve men ages 30 and older. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced the readiness screening program in July; treatment for low levels would be voluntary if clinically appropriate.
The Pentagon on Wednesday issued clinical guidelines for mandatory testosterone deficiency screening of active-duty and reserve service members ages 30 and older, Fox News reported.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the program in July, saying troops need the right hormone levels to operate at their best and to stay healthy after they leave uniform. Under the new guidance, which took effect immediately, men 30 and older will get mandatory testosterone blood tests. Younger men will be tested only if they ask or if clinicians see warning signs.
Men with low levels may get further evaluation and, if clinically appropriate, may be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone use for non-medical performance enhancement without a prescription remains prohibited. Women will not face routine testosterone blood tests, but the guidance covers screening for fatigue and menstrual disruption tied to low energy availability, and sets rules for limited off-label testosterone use in some postmenopausal cases.
Some endocrinologists told reporters there is limited evidence that universal screening improves readiness and warned against unnecessary treatment. The Food and Drug Administration plans a meeting later this month on medical testosterone use. Reuters contributed to the Fox News report.
Go Deeper
Who must be tested?
Active-duty and reserve men ages 30 and older, under Pentagon clinical guidelines effective immediately.
Is treatment required?
No. Further evaluation may lead to voluntary therapy if a clinician finds it appropriate.
Why start at age 30?
Male testosterone levels typically begin a gradual decline between ages 30 and 40.
Can troops use testosterone to boost performance?
Non-medical use without a prescription remains banned.
What do critics say?
Some medical experts say broad screening lacks strong proof of readiness gains and could lead to unnecessary treatment.
More health
health50+Scientists identify new tick-borne virus after testing thousands of patients in China
Chinese researchers identified Asian longhorned tick nairovirus in 10.4% of 3,163 patients bitten by ticks. The virus can cause flu-like illness, low
Sep 5
health50+Higher blood xylitol levels linked to greater heart attack and stroke risk in study
A study presented at the ESC Cardiology Congress followed more than 17,700 Canadian and British adults and linked higher blood xylitol levels to more
Sep 5
health50+WHO adds seven dementia risk factors including stroke, sleep problems and air pollution
The World Health Organization updated its dementia risk-reduction guidelines with seven added factors: stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairme
Sep 5