US Defense Department’s Annual Testosterone Testing Policy Sparks Health Concerns

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on 15 July 2026 that all active‑duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older will undergo yearly testosterone level tests. The measure, promoted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is presented as a way to improve soldiers’ physical readiness.

Medical experts and veteran‑health officials caution that the policy could lead to unnecessary hormone treatments. They point to risks such as reduced natural testosterone production, infertility, elevated red‑blood‑cell counts that increase clotting and stroke risk, and the potential onset of obstructive sleep apnea. Critics also note the lack of solid scientific evidence that higher testosterone levels boost combat performance.

Veterans Affairs and university researchers have highlighted past problems with hormone‑therapy oversight and stress that treatment decisions should be based on clinical symptoms, not solely on laboratory values. The initiative is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of service members and could impose significant long‑term health and cost burdens on the military health system.