The U.S. Department of Defense has unveiled detailed guidelines for a new mandatory testosterone deficiency screening policy affecting active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and above. This policy follows a previous announcement by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in July. The guidance, effective immediately, aims to standardize screening and treatment processes for both male and female service members to enhance military readiness by addressing hormonal and energy-related concerns.
Hegseth, a proponent of testosterone use, introduced the mandate, sparking debates among experts regarding the scientific rationale behind such a directive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to convene a panel of experts in mid-September to deliberate on the medical applications of testosterone.
As per the guidelines, men aged 30 and older will undergo compulsory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested only upon request or if symptoms warrant evaluation by healthcare providers. For women, routine testosterone testing is not mandated, but screening for fatigue and menstrual irregularities linked to hormonal imbalances is recommended to address conditions like low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport.
The guidelines also outline criteria for prescribing off-label testosterone to women, particularly postmenopausal individuals experiencing significantly reduced libido. Some medical professionals have expressed concerns that widespread testosterone screening may lead to unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence to support the notion that universal testing for low testosterone would enhance combat readiness among U.S. military personnel.