US military to start screening for testosterone deficiency, Hegseth says

July 16, 2026

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has introduced mandatory testosterone screening for all military personnel aged 30 and above during their annual health assessments, with voluntary testing available for younger troops. Service members found to have low testosterone will be offered optional hormone replacement therapy, which officials claim will help maintain military readiness and long-term health outcomes. The initiative has drawn criticism from some Democratic lawmakers who question whether it prioritizes culture war politics over genuine medical needs, while others call for expanding the program to include hormone testing for female personnel.

Who is affected

All Active Duty and Reserve Component military personnel aged 30 and older (mandatory screening)
Military personnel under age 30 (voluntary screening available)
Approximately 13 million American men estimated to have low testosterone
Female military personnel (currently excluded from hormone therapy options)
Medical professionals who prescribe testosterone treatments
Dr. Mohit Khera and the FDA expert panel on military testosterone screening

What action is being taken

The Pentagon is implementing mandatory testosterone screening for troops aged 30+ during Periodic Health Assessments
The Department of Defense is offering voluntary hormone replacement therapy to troops with low testosterone levels
The FDA is requesting removal of safety and effectiveness language on testosterone replacement therapy product labeling
The FDA is proposing loosening prescribing limits for testosterone products

Why it matters

This program represents a significant shift in military healthcare policy that could affect hundreds of thousands of service members. Testosterone levels are described as a top marker of overall health and can impact combat readiness through effects on muscle mass, energy levels, and mental health. However, the therapy carries serious risks including infertility for men in reproductive years and potential cardiovascular complications, making careful medical oversight essential. The initiative also raises questions about equity, as female personnel are not currently included in hormone screening programs despite experiencing similar age-related hormonal changes.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC