Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the US military will begin an initiative to screen service members for testosterone levels, a move aimed at restoring and optimizing their capabilities.
In a video posted on X, captioned "High‑T Department", Hegseth said he is authorising a screening program to ensure troops have the right testosterone levels to operate at their absolute best.
According to the announcement, personnel aged 30 and older will be screened annually, while younger servicemembers can request testing. Those found to have low levels will be offered voluntary testosterone replacement therapy.
Hegseth emphasized that taking testosterone for non‑medical reasons, such as artificial muscle enhancement without a prescription, is strictly prohibited in the military. "This program is not about artificial enhancement," he added.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that mandatory screening for testosterone deficiency will be effective immediately for all active‑duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older. "The protocol will enable the Department to establish a comprehensive baseline and offer targeted therapy," he said.
Dr Mohit Khera, who led a recent FDA expert panel on testosterone screening, told the BBC that men over 30 should be screened because low levels can impact muscle mass, energy, and combat performance. He warned that testosterone replacement therapy should be used only when symptoms are present, as it can cause infertility and potentially increase cardiovascular risk.
The announcement comes after Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and other administration officials have sought to remove barriers for medical professionals to prescribe testosterone, citing a national "fertility crisis." The FDA had last month requested the removal of safety and efficacy language from testosterone replacement therapy product labeling and proposed loosening prescribing limits for these products.
