The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has released new clinical guidelines requiring all male service members aged 30 and older to be screened for testosterone deficiency. The policy follows an initiative announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July to monitor hormonal levels as part of regular health assessments.
The guidelines integrate blood tests into the periodic health assessments of active-duty troops and reservists. Under the rules, service members diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, will receive follow-up screenings and may be offered testosterone replacement therapy. Hegseth stated in July that the decision to receive treatment is elective for the individual service member.
For male service members under the age of 30, the annual screenings will be offered on an optional basis. The guidelines also address female service members, who will be asked about symptoms of hormonal dysregulation and referred for further medical assessment if necessary. The Department of Defense stated the program is intended to optimize warfighter performance and maximize force readiness.
This policy change affects active-duty and reserve personnel, requiring men over 30 to undergo hormonal screening during annual health check-ups. If levels are found to be low, the individual faces a clinical diagnosis of hypogonadism, which may lead to elective medical treatments like hormone replacement therapy.
The policy establishes testosterone levels as a critical biological marker for military readiness, with the DHA citing its impact on physical strength, bone density, aerobic fitness, depressive symptoms, and cardiovascular health. Medical experts, including Army Major Theodore Crisostomo-Wynne, a urologist, have noted that high-stress military roles, sleep disruptions, and blast exposure can decrease testosterone levels. By standardizing this testing, the Pentagon is linking hormonal health and combat effectiveness.
The move follows other changes under Hegseth such as lifting the annual flu vaccine requirement and extending reinstatement deadlines for those separated due to previous COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The clinical guidelines are now active, though the specific date for the first round of screenings across all commands was not reported. Future steps include the integration of these tests into the standard periodic health assessment cycle.