# Pentagon mandates testosterone testing for male troops

> Pentagon begins mandatory testosterone testing for male service members 30+ to address deficiency concerns.
- Title: Pentagon mandates testosterone testing for male troops
- Summary: Pentagon begins mandatory testosterone testing for male service members 30+ to address deficiency concerns. The Pentagon will test male troops 30 and older…
- Keywords: pentagon, testosterone, military, service members, testosterone deficiency, health screening, military health, news, local, mandates, testing, male
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/the-pentagon-is-moving-forward-with-mandatory-testosterone-testing-for-most-male-troops
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pentagon, testosterone, military, service members, testosterone deficiency, health screening, military health, news, local
## New Pentagon policy
The Pentagon has rolled out formal guidance for mandatory testosterone testing for male service members 30 and older, leaving women out for now.
## Defense Secretary's push
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July that screening troops for testosterone deficiency was necessary to allow them to operate at their absolute best.
## Hormone interest grows
Growing interest in testosterone has been driven by men’s health influencers and podcasters who recommend the drug for energy, muscle and feeling younger.
## Expert concerns
Many experts say the far-reaching benefits of testosterone aren’t supported by science, and Hegseth’s messaging blends established facts with less substantiated claims.
## Testing scope clarified
The new guidance clarifies mandatory testing applies only to male service members, not women, and leaves female troops out for now.
## Medical guidelines differ
Medical groups typically recommend testosterone for men with symptoms like low libido and depressed mood after two blood tests confirm low levels, not automatic screening for all.
## Testing consequences
Military doctors are instructed not to prescribe testosterone therapy to anyone hoping to have children soon due to potential sperm count drops from hormone replacement.
## Key takeaway

The Pentagon will test male troops 30 and older for testosterone deficiency, aiming to improve performance without requiring hormone replacement therapy.