Defense Secretary proposes annual testosterone screening for service members over 30

The Department of Defense said it will require annual testosterone screening for all active-duty and reserve service members who are 30 years of age or older, while personnel under 30 may choose to be tested. The policy, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is intended to identify individuals with low hormone levels and offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) when medically indicated.

Hegseth emphasized that the program is meant to “restore and optimize natural capabilities, protect longevity and ensure the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”

Medical experts note that defining a universally low testosterone threshold is difficult because normal ranges vary by sex, age and individual symptoms. For adult men, the Endocrine Society cites a typical range of 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter, while women’s levels are generally between 15 and 70 nanograms per deciliter. Diagnosis of hypogonadism usually requires at least two low morning blood tests and the presence of related symptoms such as reduced libido, fatigue or loss of muscle mass.

TRT can be delivered via patches, injections, gels, pellets or pills. Endocrinologist Dr. Ravi Iyengar said the best candidates are those with confirmed low levels and accompanying symptoms, but warned that exogenous testosterone can suppress the body’s own production, potentially leading to infertility, blood clots, sleep-apnea worsening and other side effects. For women, off-label TRT may be prescribed for low sexual desire, though no FDA-approved product exists specifically for female patients.

The Pentagon declined to provide detailed implementation guidelines, and a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the mandatory testing for personnel 30 and older but did not elaborate on follow-up procedures.