Pentagon to Test Service Members for Low Testosterone and Offer Hormone Therapy

The Pentagon said it will begin testing active-duty troops for low testosterone levels and, where appropriate, offer hormone replacement therapy. Officials said the measure aims to keep service members "strong, resilient and capable" and to support "maximum psychological and mental readiness" on modern battlefields.

The policy follows a 2022 incident in which a Navy SEAL recruit died during training and was found with testosterone and other substances, prompting the Navy to start a drug-testing program for hormonal agents that promote muscle growth. The new initiative, announced by Defense Secretary Mike Hegseth, is described as not intended for "artificial enhancement."

The Department of Defense did not provide details on the research or clinical guidelines informing the program, nor did it clarify whether female personnel would be evaluated for estrogen-based therapy during perimenopause.

Medical experts note that testosterone naturally declines with age and can be linked to symptoms such as low libido, mood changes, and weight gain. Current guidelines recommend testing only men with relevant symptoms and confirmed low levels on two separate morning blood draws. Recent FDA actions have eased prescribing limits for testosterone products, but the label still restricts use to men with hypogonadism.

Republican Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Air Force veteran, criticized the announcement, saying it reflects influence from fringe online groups and urged that any testing be available to both men and women.

The move coincides with other recent Pentagon health policy changes, including the repeal of the military flu-vaccine mandate earlier this year.