Pentagon proceeds with testosterone screening after pause

WASHINGTON  — The Pentagon released a portion of its new guidance Thursday night regarding annual testosterone screening for service members 30 and older after temporarily rescinding earlier guidance this month.

“Effective immediately, this guidance addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways across the (Defense Health Agency) enterprise and assigning responsibility for compliance,” Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.

The clinical guideline applies only to men. Guidance for women is under review and will be posted upon approval, according to the 25-page memorandum.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the screening program in July, saying it would ensure service members have “the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best.”

Screenings for all active-duty and reserve personnel took effect immediately, according to a memo from Hegseth at the time. The test was added to the periodic health assessment for troops older than 30. Those younger than 30 could voluntarily choose to be screened.

Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism or “low T,” is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone that is key to the development and maintenance of typical male physical characteristics such as muscle mass and growth of facial hair.

Testosterone levels in men naturally decline by about 1% to 2% per year after age 30, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Low testosterone can cause physical, mental and sexual symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, mood fluctuations and weight gain.

The condition affects about two in 100 men overall, according to the American Urological Association, but the rate increases with age.

“We are building a High-T department focused on strength, performance, lethality and a fighting force ready to dominate the battlefield and achieve the president and the secretary’s peace through strength agenda,” Parnell said in a post on X announcing the new guidance.

After Hegseth’s announcement in July, some medical organizations expressed skepticism about the Pentagon’s plan to annually screen service members.

“There is insufficient evidence to support a general recommendation to perform population-level screening,” the Endocrine Society said in a statement at the time.

The Pentagon policy comes amid a wider push within President Donald Trump’s administration to make testosterone replacement therapy for men more widely available. Proponents tout the hormone as a way to boost muscle, energy and sex drive.

Testosterone replacement therapy has long been associated with health risks. Recent studies have addressed some concerns, but the Endocrine Society said more research is needed to fully understand the therapy’s risks.