Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy on Wednesday that will require annual testosterone deficiency screenings for military service members aged 30 and older. The screenings are set to be integrated into the existing periodic health assessments that troops already undergo each year. Under the new directive, service members younger than 30 will have the option to request the screening voluntarily, though it will not be mandatory for them.
Hegseth introduced the initiative in a social media video, framing the move as a measure to improve military readiness and support the long-term health of the force. He described the program as a way to ensure service members maintain the biological foundation necessary to perform at their absolute best, emphasizing that the modern battlefield demands high levels of psychological and mental readiness. The secretary stated that the initiative is intended to restore and optimize natural capabilities rather than provide artificial enhancement.
While the screening process will be mandatory for eligible personnel, any medical treatment that follows a diagnosis of low testosterone remains entirely voluntary. The Pentagon has not specified the exact medical conditions or clinical thresholds that the screening program aims to address, noting only that it is part of a broader effort to keep troops strong and resilient. The policy comes amid ongoing discussions within the Trump administration regarding broader access to hormone replacement therapies.
This new directive follows years of increased scrutiny regarding the use of performance-enhancing substances within the military, particularly among special operations units. Following the 2022 death of a Navy SEAL recruit, the Navy implemented its own drug-testing program to screen for hormonal substances related to testosterone that promote muscle growth. Hegseth’s office has clarified that this new initiative is distinct from those anti-doping efforts, focusing instead on identifying and addressing natural hormone deficiencies.