The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a new annual screening programme for testosterone deficiency among military personnel, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the initiative is intended to help troops perform at their "absolute best." Under the new policy, mandatory screenings will be included in routine medical examinations for service members aged 30 and above, while personnel under the age of 30 will have the option to undergo voluntary testing. Hegseth said any testosterone replacement therapy resulting from the screenings would also remain voluntary.

According to the Pentagon, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that troops remain physically strong, mentally resilient, and operationally prepared for the demands of modern military service. Although Hegseth referred broadly to "troops" in his announcement, the policy appears to be focused primarily on male service members because testosterone deficiency is predominantly a male health condition. The Pentagon has not clarified whether female personnel will be evaluated for hormone-related treatments, including therapies associated with menopause or other hormonal changes.

The announcement comes amid a broader push within the Trump administration to expand access to testosterone replacement therapies. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other officials have supported easing restrictions on prescribing testosterone medications, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently proposed relaxing rules governing testosterone gels, injections, patches, and pills. Current FDA guidelines limit these treatments primarily to men diagnosed with hypogonadism, a medical condition characterised by abnormally low testosterone levels.

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Medical experts note that testosterone naturally declines with age and may contribute to symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and decreased muscle mass. However, routine screening of all men remains a subject of debate within the medical community. Existing clinical guidelines generally recommend testing only when patients exhibit persistent symptoms and have repeatedly confirmed low testosterone levels through blood tests. Recent studies have shown that testosterone therapy can improve certain sexual health outcomes and muscle strength in eligible patients, although evidence for benefits related to memory, fatigue, and overall well-being remains limited.

The policy has also drawn political criticism. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Chrissy Houlahan, both Democrats and military veterans, questioned the administration's approach and argued that hormone screening should be made available to both male and female service members. They also raised concerns about consistency in military healthcare policies, particularly in light of Hegseth's previous positions on transgender service members and women in combat roles. While the Pentagon has not released additional scientific evidence supporting the programme, officials maintain that the initiative is designed to enhance military readiness and overall force health as implementation moves forward.

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