The U.S. Department of Defense has released detailed instructions for a new mandatory screening policy for testosterone deficiency in active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and above. This policy update follows an announcement made in July by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Effective immediately, the guidance establishes standardized screening and treatment protocols for both male and female service members with the aim of enhancing military readiness by identifying and addressing hormonal and energy-related issues.
Hegseth, a proponent of testosterone use, introduced this mandate last month, sparking discussions among experts regarding the scientific rationale behind such a directive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to convene a panel of experts in mid-September to deliberate on the medical applications of testosterone.
Under the new guidelines, men aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested upon request or if symptoms are flagged by clinicians. For women, routine testosterone testing is not mandated, but screening for symptoms like fatigue and irregular menstrual cycles, which can indicate hormonal imbalances, is recommended to address conditions such as low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport.
The guidance also outlines circumstances where off-label testosterone prescription may be appropriate for women, specifically targeting postmenopausal women experiencing diminished sexual desire.
However, medical professionals have expressed reservations about widespread testosterone testing, citing concerns that indiscriminate treatment could be unnecessary or potentially harmful. They argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that universal screening for low testosterone levels in military personnel would enhance U.S. combat readiness.