Pentagon to proceed with controversial testosterone testing after pause

The Pentagon has reinstated a mandatory testing program for testosterone deficiency among US service members aged 30 and older, according to a spokesperson on Thursday. This program, previously paused, brings back a policy many medical experts have deemed unnecessary and potentially harmful. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth first announced the screening mandate in July, promoting the use of testosterone to enhance military readiness.

Initially, women were also to be screened through a questionnaire, potentially leading to treatment for hormonal imbalance-related conditions. However, the Pentagon temporarily suspended the published medical guidance for the testosterone screening in early September to allow for updates. The recent decision to lift the pause lifts the restraint, allowing testing to resume.

It remains unclear what, if any, adjustments were made to the original policy. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "Effective immediately, this guidance addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways." Medical professionals have cautioned that inappropriate prescription of testosterone could heighten service members' risk of infertility or cause other health complications.