The US military will start screening for testosterone deficiency in personnel aged 30 and older as part of annual health screenings, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth announced the new program in a video, stating that it aims to ensure troops have the right testosterone levels to operate at their best. The screening will be mandatory for active duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older, while those younger than 30 can request it voluntarily.
Testosterone Deficiency Screening
The program will enable the Department of Defense to establish a comprehensive baseline and offer targeted testosterone therapy, ensuring a healthy and capable fighting force. Low testosterone levels can affect up to 40% of older men, causing symptoms such as low mood, reduced sex drive, and loss of muscle mass.
Dr. Mohit Khera, a professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine, supports the screening, stating that it can help identify men with low testosterone levels, which can put them at a disadvantage in terms of muscle mass and energy. However, he cautions that testosterone replacement therapy should only be given to those with symptoms and can have potential risks, such as infertility and increased cardiovascular risk.
Implications and Reactions
The announcement has received mixed reactions, with Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth calling for hormone testing to be available for both men and women. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan dismissed the program as a “culture-war obsession”. The Pentagon has not commented on whether female troops will be tested for estrogen-based therapy.
The new program is part of a broader effort to improve the health and well-being of military personnel. The FDA has also requested the removal of safety and effectiveness language on testosterone replacement therapy product labeling, making it easier for medical professionals to prescribe the treatment.
