Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday, July 15, that the Pentagon will require annual testosterone deficiency screenings for active-duty service members age 30 and older, describing the move as part of a broader effort to strengthen military readiness and improve long-term health. The Pentagon chief said the new screening will be incorporated into the military’s existing annual health assessments, while personnel under 30 will be able to opt in voluntarily.
Mandatory testosterone screening added to annual health checks for troops
Hegseth unveiled the policy in a video posted on X in which he said testosterone testing will become a standard component of the Pentagon’s yearly periodic health assessments for troops age 30 and above. “I’m authorizing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best,” Hegseth said. He clarified that the annual health assessment itself is not being overhauled, with the testosterone test simply being added to medical evaluations already required each year.
The High-T Department of War. pic.twitter.com/hlAUq3j2cD
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026
Treatment, if necessary, remains voluntary, Pentagon chief says
Although screening will be mandatory for eligible service members, Hegseth stressed that the decision to undergo treatment following a diagnosis will be left to the individual. “If treatment is recommended, it’s entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy,” he said. The defense secretary described the initiative as a medical program focused on restoring normal hormone levels rather than boosting performance. “This initiative, it’s not about artificial enhancement,” he said. “It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”
Highlighting the demands placed on military personnel on the battlefield, Hegseth added, “The modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting. It requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness, and by addressing these health markers early, we’re keeping you on the leading edge of lethality.”
All active-duty personnel age 30 and older to undergo annual screening
Under the policy, all active-duty personnel aged 30 and older will undergo an annual screening for testosterone deficiency as part of their routine health evaluations. Service members younger than 30 will not be required to participate but may choose to receive the screening voluntarily. The Pentagon has not yet announced when the requirement will take effect across the military’s branches or whether additional clinical guidance will accompany the addition.
Medical experts urge careful oversight
While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly prescribed for people with medically confirmed testosterone deficiency, it carries potential risks. Side effects can include acne, fluid retention, infertility caused by reduced sperm production, breast tissue enlargement and elevated red blood cell counts, which may increase the risk of blood clots. The therapy can also worsen untreated sleep apnea and requires monitoring of prostate health in older patients. Medical organizations, including the Endocrine Society, recommend TRT only after a comprehensive medical evaluation and advise ongoing follow-up testing to monitor hormone levels, assess treatment effectiveness and watch for possible complications.
