The U.S. Department of Defense has released detailed instructions concerning a new compulsory testosterone deficiency screening policy for active-duty and reserve members aged 30 and above. This policy, following an earlier announcement by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in July, aims to enhance military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-related issues through standardized screening and treatment protocols for both male and female service personnel.
Hegseth, an advocate for testosterone use, introduced the mandate last month, sparking debates among experts regarding its scientific justification. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is planning an expert meeting in mid-September to discuss testosterone’s medical applications.
Under the new guidelines, men aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested upon request or if warning signs are observed by healthcare providers. Women are not required to undergo routine testosterone blood tests; however, the guidance recommends screening for symptoms such as fatigue and irregular menstrual cycles, which could indicate hormonal imbalances and conditions like low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sports.
The document outlines criteria for the prescription of off-label testosterone in women, particularly for postmenopausal women experiencing abnormally low libido. Some medical professionals have expressed concerns that widespread testosterone testing may result in unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments, emphasizing the lack of substantial evidence supporting the notion that universal screening for low testosterone levels in military personnel would enhance U.S. combat readiness.