The U.S. Department of Defense has reinstated a mandatory testosterone deficiency screening program for male service members aged 30 and older, following a brief suspension of the policy earlier this month.
The Pentagon has moved forward with a policy requiring male service members aged 30 and older to undergo screening for testosterone deficiency. The new clinical guidance replaces an earlier version that was temporarily withdrawn in September for updates.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth first announced the initiative in July, saying it was intended to identify potential testosterone deficiencies and support service members' physical performance, long-term health and military readiness.
Screening to be included in annual health assessments
Under the new guidance, all male service members aged 30 and older will be screened for testosterone deficiency as part of periodic health assessments, upon entering the military or during annual physical examinations.
The assessment will include a structured review of symptoms and risk factors in addition to laboratory testing. Male service members younger than 30 may request screening or be tested when clinicians identify relevant medical indicators.
If testosterone deficiency is identified, service members and healthcare professionals can discuss treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy. Treatment decisions will be based on clinical evaluation, with military medical professionals monitoring patients receiving treatment.
Separate guidance planned for female service members
The newly issued clinical guidance applies specifically to male service members.
The Pentagon said screening and treatment guidance for female service members will be addressed in a separate document at a later date.
This represents a change from earlier versions of the policy, which included broader provisions concerning hormonal health among female personnel.
Medical experts question routine screening
The policy has drawn questions from medical professionals over whether routine testosterone screening of asymptomatic service members is medically necessary.
Reuters reported that some medical experts have questioned the scientific basis for broad population-level screening and warned that inappropriate testosterone treatment could carry risks, including reduced fertility and other health complications.
Testosterone therapy can affect reproductive function, making clinical assessment particularly important before treatment is initiated.
Pentagon says policy is intended to support readiness
The Pentagon says the initiative is intended to identify hormone deficiencies early and provide appropriate treatment when medically indicated.
Hegseth has said the program is not intended as artificial enhancement but rather as a way to restore and optimize natural capabilities and support long-term health. The Defense Health Agency said the new guidance establishes standardized screening and treatment pathways across the military healthcare system.
The updated guidance follows the temporary withdrawal of an earlier version in early September. At the time, the Pentagon said the document was being updated before final clinical guidance was issued.
