U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the launch of an annual screening program for low testosterone levels among male personnel aged 30 and older. He stated that this measure aims to help soldiers perform at their full potential physically and mentally. However, it has faced criticism concerning medical principles and allegations of gender discrimination from members of Congress.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced via a social media video that the military is beginning a "testosterone deficiency" screening program for personnel. This will be incorporated into the annual physical exams for soldiers aged 30 and above, while those under 30 can opt-in voluntarily for testing.
The Secretary emphasized that if low testosterone is detected, "testosterone replacement therapy" will be voluntary for personnel. He clarified that this initiative is not about "enhancing physical performance with synthetic substances" but is intended to maximize soldiers' operational effectiveness, physical robustness, flexibility, and mental readiness to face modern battlefields.
Although Hegseth used the broad term "personnel" in the video, it is widely understood that this measure targets male soldiers in the armed forces. The Pentagon declined to answer media questions about any research or academic studies supporting this policy and did not clarify whether female soldiers would be offered estrogen screening during menopause.
This move follows increased scrutiny in recent years of the U.S. military, particularly special forces like the Navy SEALs, regarding the use of testosterone and similar substances to boost physical performance.
Notably, in 2022, the death of a Navy SEAL trainee during training led to the discovery of performance-enhancing drugs, including testosterone, in possession. This revealed widespread use of such substances among elite combat units, prompting the Navy to launch random doping tests targeting hormones that stimulate muscle growth.
Hegseth's policy aligns with initiatives by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump administration officials who sought to expand public access to testosterone therapy. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed relaxing restrictions on prescribing testosterone in forms such as gels, pills, patches, and injections, which were previously limited to men with severely reduced gonadal function.
Advocates of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement often promote testosterone as a means to look younger, build muscle, and sharpen the mind. However, studies by the National Institutes of Health indicate that while testosterone can improve sexual function and mildly enhance mood, it does not reduce fatigue or improve memory.
Additionally, current medical guidelines "do not recommend" widespread screening for this hormone, as testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Accurate testing requires morning measurements after fasting, and doctors typically suggest therapy only for patients with confirmed low levels on two separate blood tests who exhibit symptoms.
This policy has sparked strong opposition from female Democratic legislators with military backgrounds. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the policy as sounding contradictory, akin to "medical care for transgender or gender-affirming treatments," which conflicts with Hegseth’s stance opposing transgender soldiers. She called for hormone screening to be extended to all genders to detect infertility, citing higher infertility rates among both male and female soldiers compared to the general population.
Former Air Force veteran Representative Chrissy Houlahan stated that the policy "demonstrates that Secretary Hegseth is taking orders from extremist online male supremacist groups."
Previously, Hegseth had clearly expressed that he does not believe women should be allowed in frontline combat roles, asserting that such positions should adhere to "the highest male standards" only. Since becoming Pentagon chief, he has halted promotions of female soldiers and removed several female leaders.
The testosterone screening is the latest change in military medical policy. In April, Hegseth rescinded a long-standing mandatory influenza vaccination policy, citing "medical freedom" and religious liberty. This led to an outbreak of flu in the U.S. Air Force's new recruit training camp, with nearly 300 cases reported in June.
.SourceAssociated Press