U.S. Military to Start Annual Testosterone Screenings for Service Members Over 30
7 verified4 unconfirmed
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. service members aged 30 and older will undergo annual testosterone screenings as part of their regular health assessments. Those younger than 30 may opt in to the testing. Hegseth said in a video posted to his official social media that testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary if recommended. The Pentagon declined to provide further details on the program’s scientific basis or expected outcomes. Medical experts quoted across multiple outlets raised concerns about the scientific validity and potential risks of routine screening and supplementation. Critics point to the variability of testosterone levels, the lack of clear evidence that treatment improves performance or longevity, and possible side effects including infertility and cardiovascular issues. Some specialists, however, see potential value in screening given the unique physical demands on service members, though they caution that diagnosis requires consistent symptoms and repeated testing.
What’s verified
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will be tested annually for low testosterone as part of their periodic health assessment.
Younger service members can choose to opt in to the screenings.
Any recommended testosterone replacement therapy is described as voluntary by Hegseth.
Medical experts cited in multiple sources highlighted diagnostic challenges, including hormone level variability due to time of day, activity, and stress, making it difficult to define a normal range.
Possible risks associated with testosterone therapy include testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, blood clots, heart problems, and kidney problems.
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan are public proponents of testosterone replacement therapy, according to reports.
The Pentagon declined to comment beyond Hegseth’s description of the plan.
Not yet confirmed
It is unclear whether female service members will also undergo testosterone assessments. The plan appears to focus on male troops, as testosterone deficiency is typically a male diagnosis.
The Defense Department has not disclosed what specific scientific research or medical experts informed the decision.
One source reported that the Food and Drug Administration recently revised testosterone product labels to remove a warning about prostate cancer risk. Another source stated that Kennedy is seeking to eliminate warning labels on TRT related to cardiovascular effects.
One source noted that current guidelines from major American medical organizations recommend against routine screening for testosterone levels.
Misconceptions
Medical experts cited in the articles caution that testosterone therapy is not a simple, benign performance enhancer. They emphasize that the science does not support routine use of testosterone to improve strength, longevity, or cognitive performance in otherwise healthy individuals. Treatment carries risks including infertility and cardiovascular problems, and diagnostic complexities make a one-size-fits-all approach inappropriate.
Key figures
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
Adrian Dobs, endocrinologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University
Adriane Fugh-Berman, professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown University
Abraham Morgentaler, faculty fellow at Harvard Medical School
Helen Bernie, director of men’s sexual and reproductive health at Indiana University
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary
Joe Rogan, podcaster
Sources: Wired, NPR, statnews.com
