Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military will begin testing service members' testosterone levels and recommend hormone therapy when warranted, launching a screening initiative that aligns with the Trump administration's broader effort to expand access to testosterone replacement treatments.
Service members aged 30 and older will undergo annual testosterone testing as part of their standard periodic health assessment, Hegseth said in a video posted to social media. Younger personnel can request voluntary screening. Medical professionals will evaluate results and make recommendations, though Hegseth emphasized that service members retain the final say on whether to pursue treatment.
"This initiative, it's not about artificial enhancement; it's about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight," Hegseth said. He framed the testing as part of a commitment to the individual warfighter, describing it as the military's "most decisive tactical advantage."
The policy reflects a larger administration push to loosen restrictions on testosterone therapy. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed regulatory changes to make the treatment more widely available. A Food and Drug Administration panel in December similarly called for reforms to increase accessibility.
Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, typically beginning in their 30s or 40s. When levels drop below certain thresholds, physicians associate the condition with health complications including reduced bone density and erectile dysfunction. Recent research has supported the safety profile of replacement therapy, with a 2023 study finding no increased risk of heart attacks or strokes from treatment.
The military did not clarify whether female service members would receive similar screenings for other hormones or what would happen if a service member declined recommended treatment. The Pentagon deferred questions to Hegseth's public statement.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Whether this is genuine troop readiness or political theater around hormone therapy, the military committing to mass testosterone screening is a striking policy shift that will face scrutiny from both military readiness experts and medical ethics watchdogs."
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