Federal judge orders Pentagon to clarify testosterone screening policy for male soldiers
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
A district court judge has asked the Defense Department to explain why a new testosterone-screening program for cisgender service members differs from policies affecting transgender troops.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a plan to screen male service members aged 30 and older for testosterone levels and to offer voluntary testosterone replacement therapy to those with deficiencies. The policy, promoted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is intended to maintain physical readiness.
District Court Judge Ana Reyes, overseeing lawsuits that challenge the administration's ban on transgender service members, issued an order demanding the Pentagon explain the disparity between the new program for cisgender soldiers and the treatment of transgender personnel, who have been barred from hormone therapy under the ban.
"The Armed Forces must adhere to high mental and physical health standards… without the benefit of routine medical treatment or special provisions," the judge wrote, citing the executive order that instituted the transgender ban.
Reyes asked for details on the policy’s justification, cost, and administration of testosterone therapy, with a response due before a hearing scheduled for August 7.
Medical experts have expressed concern that unnecessary or improperly managed testosterone replacement could pose health risks, including potential impacts on fertility and long-term well-being.