How testosterone testing will work in Hegseth's military

July 17, 2026

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instituted a new military health protocol requiring all service members aged 30 and above to undergo testosterone deficiency screening during their routine annual physical examinations. Military personnel who test positive for low testosterone will have the option to receive voluntary testosterone replacement therapy as treatment. Service members younger than 30 can choose to participate in the screening program if they wish.

Who is affected

All U.S. military personnel aged 30 and over (mandatory screening)
Military service members under age 30 (optional screening)
Medical professionals who prescribe testosterone
Women in the military (unclear if hormone replacement therapy will be available to them)

What action is being taken

All military personnel aged 30 and over are being screened for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health checks
Testosterone replacement therapy is being offered to those found to have low testosterone levels
The Trump administration is making it easier for medical professionals to prescribe testosterone to men

Why it matters

This policy signals Defense Secretary Hegseth's vision for transforming the military's approach to health and fitness. The initiative reflects a significant shift in military healthcare policy by institutionalizing hormone screening and replacement therapy as standard practice. The ambiguity around whether women will have access to similar hormone replacement therapy raises questions about equity in military healthcare services.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC