The Department of War is implementing a new policy requiring U.S. troops aged 30 and older to undergo annual testosterone level screenings as part of their periodic health assessments. The initiative, announced by Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to ensure military readiness and maintain service members at "the leading edge of lethality."
Under the new directive, testosterone testing will become a standard component of the military's existing annual health evaluations. While mandatory for those over 30, younger service members will have the option to volunteer for the screening. Secretary Hegseth stated that the goal of this program is not to artificially enhance performance but to restore and optimize natural capabilities, protect longevity, and provide the necessary biological foundation for sustained combat effectiveness.
Testosterone, a hormone crucial for libido, energy, bone density, muscle mass, and red blood cell production, naturally declines with age. New research indicates that approximately one in four men over 30 experience low testosterone levels, with only a fraction of those exhibiting noticeable symptoms. Hegseth emphasized that addressing these health markers early is vital for maintaining peak readiness in what he described as a "brutal and unrelenting" modern battlefield.
For service members diagnosed with low testosterone, the Pentagon will offer testosterone replacement therapy. Hegseth clarified that participation in such therapy would be voluntary if recommended by medical professionals. He further stated that while significant investments are made in weaponry and equipment, the individual warfighter remains the most critical tactical advantage, and the department has a duty to maintain and optimize this advantage through continuous efforts to enhance performance, resilience, and long-term health.
This policy announcement comes amidst a reported surge in prescriptions for erectile dysfunction drugs among military personnel. Official statistics revealed a record-breaking 108,332 prescriptions for active troops in 2025, closely followed by 108,323 in 2024. This marks a substantial increase from 92,966 prescriptions in 2021. Veterans and dependents also saw a high number of prescriptions, with 639,355 recorded in 2025.
The Endocrine Society notes that individuals with clinically diagnosed testosterone deficiency have shown improvements in sexual function with treatment, but stresses that such treatment should only occur after confirmed screening confirms low testosterone levels.
The specific date for the implementation of the new testosterone screening requirement across all military branches has not yet been released, nor has any additional medical guidance accompanying the rollout.