The U.S. military will begin requiring annual testosterone screenings for all service members aged 30 and older, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday. The new testing will be integrated into existing annual physical examinations, with the stated goal of identifying and addressing potential health issues early to maintain troop readiness and performance.
"Addressing these health markers early, we’re keeping [troops] on the leading edge of lethality," Hegseth said in a video announcement. Military officials believe this proactive approach to hormone levels is crucial for sustaining the physical and mental demands of service.
This policy diverges from guidance from medical bodies such as the American Urological Association and the Endocrine Society. These organizations generally recommend against routine testosterone screening for men who do not exhibit symptoms of hypogonadism, or low testosterone. Experts note that while testosterone levels naturally begin to decline in men around age 30, clinically significant deficiencies are relatively uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals at that age.
However, some medical professionals see merit in the military's approach, citing the unique pressures faced by service members. Dr. Justin Houman, a urologist and men's health specialist, suggested that age 30 is an appropriate starting point for baseline testing, especially given that many men may not recognize or report symptoms of low testosterone. "Since the prevalence of low testosterone in this age group is meaningfully high while symptom awareness is low, 30 is precisely when establishing a baseline becomes valuable," Houman stated.
Low testosterone can affect mood, focus, muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cell production. Data suggests a significant number of men over 30 may have low testosterone without realizing it. For those diagnosed with low T, the military policy allows them to opt for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), although it is not mandated.
Despite the potential benefits for individuals with undiagnosed low testosterone, concerns exist regarding overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Studies indicate that a substantial percentage of men undergoing TRT may not meet the criteria for prescribing testosterone, leading to potential risks. Testosterone replacement therapy can have serious side effects, including impacts on fertility, red blood cell counts, prostate health, and cardiovascular risk. It can also suppress the body's natural testosterone production, potentially leading to long-term fertility issues.
"Testosterone replacement therapy has important risks and requires ongoing monitoring, including effects on fertility, red blood cell counts, prostate health, and potential cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Raj Patel, a urologist. "The goal should be treating a medical condition—not optimizing performance in otherwise healthy individuals."
Officials emphasized that the decision to undergo TRT will be an individual one for service members found to have low levels. While the new policy applies to those 30 and older, troops younger than 30 may also be screened if symptomatic, and the test will be available to them. Hegseth concluded that investing in the health of individual service members is paramount, as they represent the military's most critical tactical advantage.