The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a new medical screening initiative that will include annual testosterone deficiency testing for many American service members, marking a significant change in military health policy.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the program will become part of routine medical evaluations for active-duty personnel aged 30 and older. Service members under the age of 30 will also have the option to request testing voluntarily. According to Hegseth, any decision to begin testosterone replacement therapy will remain entirely voluntary.
The Pentagon says the goal of the initiative is to ensure military personnel remain physically strong, mentally resilient, and prepared for the demands of modern military operations. Officials argue that maintaining optimal health is essential for combat readiness and long-term performance.
Although the announcement referred broadly to "troops," officials have not clarified whether the screenings will include female service members. Most discussions surrounding the policy have focused on testosterone levels in men, leaving questions about whether similar hormone evaluations could be offered to women in the future.
The announcement comes amid broader efforts within the Trump administration to expand access to testosterone-related treatments. In recent months, federal health officials have proposed easing prescribing restrictions for testosterone medications, which are currently approved primarily for men diagnosed with medically confirmed hypogonadism.
Medical experts note that testosterone levels naturally decline with age and may contribute to symptoms such as reduced energy, lower sex drive, mood changes, and decreased muscle strength. However, physicians generally recommend hormone therapy only after repeated laboratory testing confirms a clinically low testosterone level and symptoms are present.
Recent scientific research has suggested that testosterone therapy may provide benefits for certain patients, including improvements in sexual health, muscle strength, and bone density. At the same time, studies have shown limited evidence that the treatment significantly improves fatigue, memory, or overall well-being in otherwise healthy individuals.
The policy has also sparked political debate. Several Democratic lawmakers questioned why the proposed screenings appear to focus primarily on male troops and argued that hormone testing should be available for all service members when medically appropriate. Some also raised concerns about consistency with previous Pentagon policies regarding medical treatment.
The new initiative follows other recent changes to military health policy under Hegseth's leadership, including the removal of the long-standing influenza vaccine requirement for military personnel earlier this year.
As implementation begins, additional details are expected regarding eligibility, testing procedures, and how the program will be integrated into the military's existing healthcare system.