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Pentagon Mandates Testosterone Tests for Men Over 30
18 Sep
Summary
- Mandatory testosterone testing for male service members 30 and older begins.
- Policy initially excludes women, with guidelines for them pending review.
- Experts question the scientific basis and necessity of universal screening.
The Pentagon has officially released guidance for mandatory testosterone testing for male service members aged 30 and older, a policy introduced to ensure troops operate at their peak performance. This clinical guidance, enacted recently, clarifies that the initial phase of this program will exclusively target male personnel. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially proposed screening all troops, the newly published guidelines specify male service members.
The guidelines also state that a clinical practice guideline for females is currently under review and will be released upon approval. The Pentagon has not yet indicated whether female troops will be assessed for estrogen-based therapies related to perimenopause. Medical experts generally advise against automatic testosterone screening, preferring to test men who report specific symptoms and have confirmed low levels through two blood tests.
However, the Pentagon's approach mandates screening for all male personnel aged 30 and older, though younger members can also request tests. The guidance acknowledges limited benefits of hormone replacement, citing evidence primarily for sexual function and bone density, not energy or cognition. Military doctors are instructed not to prescribe testosterone therapy to those planning to have children due to potential impacts on sperm count. Practical considerations for deployed troops, such as storage and supply continuity for controlled substances like injectable testosterone, are also highlighted as significant hurdles.
