The Pentagon is moving forward with mandatory testosterone testing for most male troops

The Pentagon has announced a new policy for mandatory testosterone testing for male service members aged 30 and older. This policy, announced by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in July, seeks to identify and treat "testosterone deficiency" to ensure troops operate at their "absolute best". The policy, which initially applied to all troops, has since been clarified to only include those who are "testosterone deficient in the male service member."

The Pentagon is not yet considering whether female troops could be evaluated for estrogen-based therapy. While testosterone declines naturally with age and can affect various aspects of health, the policy does not recommend universal screening. Instead, it suggests screening for men who report symptoms and have confirmed low levels through two blood tests.

Medical experts note that while there are benefits to replacing testosterone for certain issues, such as improving sexual function and bone density, there is no evidence that it improves energy, vitality, physical function, or cognition. The policy also acknowledges potential side effects, including a drop in sperm count, which military doctors are instructed not to address unless a service member is not planning to have children in the near future.

The policy also addresses the practical challenges of providing testosterone in deployed environments. Injectable testosterone requires controlled storage and accountability, and troops on replacement therapies need to ensure they have enough supply.