Under the new guidelines, male service members 30 and older will be screened for testosterone deficiency during periodic health assessments, upon entry into military service or during annual physical examinations.
Source: Department of
DefenseWar
Based on Reporting by C. Todd Lopez
Photo: Courtesy
The Department of War has begun mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for male service members age 30 and older as part of an effort aimed at maintaining health and military readiness throughout their careers.
The Defense Health Agency issued clinical guidance Sept. 17 establishing standardized screening and treatment procedures across the military health system. The guidance implements a directive issued by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in July.
Under the new guidelines, male service members 30 and older will be screened for testosterone deficiency during periodic health assessments, upon entry into military service or during annual physical examinations.
Screening begins with a structured assessment of symptoms and risk factors. Male service members younger than 30 may request screening or be screened when a medical provider identifies clinical indicators.
Hegseth framed the initiative as an investment in military personnel comparable to investments made in equipment.
“While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter,” Hegseth said when directing the screenings in July. “We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, which is why we must constantly look for new ways to optimize your performance, your resilience and your long-term health.”
When a deficiency is identified, service members and their medical providers can consider treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy or other hormone treatments. Treatment plans will be developed between patients and clinicians and monitored and adjusted by military medical professionals.
The department characterized the program as treatment for deficiencies rather than an effort to increase hormone levels beyond normal physiological needs.
“This initiative … is 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.
The guidance took effect immediately and establishes common screening and treatment pathways across the Defense Health Agency while assigning responsibility for compliance.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the screenings are intended to identify and treat suboptimal hormone levels as part of the department’s broader effort to improve service member health, performance and force readiness.
The current clinical guidance applies specifically to male service members. The department said screening and treatment guidance for female service members will be addressed separately in a companion document to be released later.
Service members of any age may continue to raise concerns involving testosterone, other hormone levels or general health and wellness with their primary care providers outside the scheduled screening process.
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