United States (US) Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo testing for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health screenings.
In a video posted on X under the title “High-T Department”, Hegseth said that he was authorising a screening programme for troops to ensure correct hormone levels for optimal performance.
Personnel with low testosterone levels will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy, while the tests will remain optional for individuals younger than 30.
“We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this programme delivers on that obligation,” Hegseth stated in the video, maintaining that addressing long-term health ensures personnel remain strong and resilient throughout their lives.
Taking testosterone for non-medical reasons, such as muscle enhancement without a prescription, remains banned in the military and Hegseth pointed out that the new initiative does not focus on artificial enhancement.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed in a statement that the mandatory screening for testosterone deficiency takes effect immediately for active duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older. He said that the protocol would allow the department to establish a baseline and offer targeted therapy to sustain a capable fighting force.
When questioned about testing female troops or evaluating them for estrogen-based therapy during perimenopause, the Pentagon declined to add comments to the statements from Hegseth and Parnell.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois called on the defence secretary to make hormone testing available to both men and women.
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan dismissed the policy on X, describing it as a culture-war obsession.
Dr Mohit Khera, who headed a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert panel on testosterone utilisation, said that all men over 30 should be screened as it serves as a primary marker of overall health.
“The key here is that many young men have low testosterone levels, which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of muscle mass, energy and that could be an issue if you are in combat,” Khera noted.
He cautioned against administering testosterone unless individuals exhibit clear symptoms, highlighting that hormone replacement therapy increases muscle mass, reduces fat deposition, and decreases the risk of depression.
He said that it can assist with bone mineral density over time, however, Kher warned, the therapy could cause infertility in younger men, urging awareness for individuals in their reproductive years.
He also noted a potential risk of cardiovascular issues.
