U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth mandates testosterone screening for troops 30+
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon will begin mandatory annual testosterone testing for all active‑duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older, with younger personnel able to request the test voluntarily. The screening will be incorporated into the routine annual health examinations and is intended to address age‑related testosterone decline, aiming to improve long‑term health, resilience and combat performance.
Personnel found to have low testosterone levels will be offered optional testosterone replacement therapy, but participation in treatment is not required. The program is framed as restoring natural capabilities rather than artificial enhancement, and non‑medical use of testosterone remains prohibited.
The initiative coincides with broader Trump‑administration efforts to ease prescribing restrictions for testosterone and has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who link it to the department’s prior ban on transgender service members’ hormone therapy.