The Pentagon has implemented a new mandatory testosterone deficiency screening policy for active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older, according to clinical guidelines issued Wednesday.
This initiative, announced in July by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seeks to ensure troops maintain optimal testosterone levels to perform at their best, both during their service and throughout their lives. "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," Hegseth stated.
The new guidance, effective immediately, requires men aged 30 and older to undergo mandatory testosterone blood tests. Younger men will be tested only if medically indicated or if clinicians observe warning signs. Individuals found to have low testosterone levels may receive further evaluation and, if deemed clinically appropriate, will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone levels naturally rise during puberty and play a crucial role in the development of muscle strength and other male characteristics. These levels typically begin a gradual decline in men between the ages of 30 and 40.
While the policy focuses on men, women service members will not undergo routine testosterone blood tests. However, they will be screened for symptoms of hormonal dysregulation, such as fatigue and disrupted menstrual cycles, which can be associated with conditions like low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport. Guidelines are also in place for when off-label testosterone prescriptions may be appropriate for women, particularly postmenopausal women experiencing significantly low sexual desire.
The military continues to prohibit the non-medical use of testosterone, including for performance enhancement without a doctor's prescription.
The Pentagon stated that the standardized screening and treatment pathways for both men and women are intended to enhance military readiness by systematically identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues.
Some medical experts have expressed concerns that widespread testosterone testing could lead to unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments, citing a lack of definitive evidence that universal screening improves military readiness. The Food and Drug Administration is planning a meeting later this month with experts to discuss the medical uses of testosterone.