The U.S. Department of Defense has released detailed instructions for a new mandatory screening policy for testosterone deficiency among active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and above, following an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in July. The policy, effective immediately, aims to enhance military readiness by identifying and addressing hormonal and energy-related issues through standardized screening and treatment protocols for both male and female personnel.
Hegseth, a proponent of testosterone use, introduced the mandate last month, triggering debates among experts regarding its scientific justification. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to convene a panel of experts in mid-September to deliberate on the medical application of testosterone.
Under the new guidelines, men aged 30 and older will undergo compulsory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested only upon request or if symptoms are flagged by healthcare providers. For women, routine testosterone testing is not mandated, but screening for fatigue and menstrual irregularities associated with hormonal imbalances and conditions like low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport is recommended.
The guidance also outlines criteria for prescribing off-label testosterone to women, particularly postmenopausal women experiencing abnormally low libido. Some medical professionals have expressed concerns that widespread testosterone screening may result in unnecessary or harmful interventions, as there is limited evidence to support the notion that universal testing for low testosterone levels would enhance U.S. combat preparedness.