From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Pentagon orders testosterone testing for troops over 30
The Defense Department is rolling out mandatory hormone screening for male service members, citing readiness concerns despite medical experts questioning the approach.
In brief
The Defense Department is rolling out mandatory hormone screening for male service members, citing readiness concerns despite medical experts questioning the approach. The Pentagon is breaking from standard medical practice by requiring testosterone screening for all male troops 30 and older, rather than only testing…
Pentagon orders testosterone screening
The Defense Department has released formal guidance requiring mandatory testosterone testing for male service members 30 and older. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the program in July, saying it helps troops operate at their absolute best.
Policy breaks from medical standards
Medical groups typically recommend testosterone testing only for men reporting symptoms with confirmed low levels. The Pentagon's approach requires screening for all eligible male personnel, departing from established clinical practice.
Benefits claims lack solid evidence
The Pentagon's own guidelines state that evidence does not support using testosterone to improve energy, vitality, physical function or cognition. The hormone's documented benefits are limited to sexual function and certain body measures like bone density.
“Evidence does not support its use to improve energy, vitality, physical function, or cognition.”
Influencers driving testosterone interest
The Pentagon's testing initiative coincides with growing interest in testosterone driven by men's health influencers and podcasters who promote the hormone for boosting energy and muscle. Many experts say these far-reaching claims aren't backed by science.
Women's testing still under review
The mandatory testing initially applies only to male service members. The Pentagon says clinical guidelines for female troops are being reviewed and will be posted upon approval, but hasn't said whether women would be evaluated for estrogen-based therapy.
Therapy not mandatory if eligible
While screening is required, testosterone replacement therapy is not mandatory for troops found eligible. The guidelines flag side effects including reduced sperm count and note that deployment logistics complicate hormone supply and storage.
Deployment complications for therapy
Testosterone is a controlled substance requiring room temperature storage and careful accountability. Military doctors are instructed not to prescribe it to troops hoping to have children soon, and deployment logistics raise supply and continuity concerns.
Hegseth's claims vs. guidelines
Defense Secretary Hegseth argued in July that testosterone therapy is necessary for maximum psychological and mental readiness on modern battlefields. However, the Pentagon's own guidelines contradict broader claims about the hormone's benefits.
The takeaway
The Pentagon is breaking from standard medical practice by requiring testosterone screening for all male troops 30 and older, rather than only testing those reporting symptoms.
