"High-T Department": Hegseth approves testosterone screening in military

Pentagon Authorizes Testosterone Deficiency Screening for Service Members Aged 30 and Older

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed that military personnel aged 30 and older undergo testing for testosterone deficiency during annual health assessments. The policy applies to all Active Duty and Reserve Component members and includes an option for voluntary hormone replacement therapy for those identified with low levels.

In a video statement, Hegseth described the initiative as a means to ensure personnel maintain levels that support optimal performance. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the mandatory screening requirement for those 30 and older, with voluntary access available to younger personnel upon request. Parnell stated that the programme aims to establish baseline data and provide targeted therapy where appropriate to support a capable force.

Hegseth emphasised that the effort focuses on addressing documented deficiencies rather than non-medical enhancement. Military regulations already prohibit the use of testosterone for artificial muscle building without a prescription. Personnel found to have low levels will be offered therapy on a voluntary basis.

The Pentagon declined to provide additional details when asked whether the screening would extend to female service members or include evaluation for oestrogen-related therapy during perimenopause. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has called for hormone testing to be made available to both men and women. Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat and Air Force veteran, described the announcement as reflecting a policy priority of the defence secretary.

Testosterone levels rise during male puberty and support the development of muscle strength, body hair, and sperm production. Beginning between ages 30 and 40, average levels in men decline gradually. Estimates indicate that low testosterone affects between 10 and 40 percent of men over 30 worldwide, corresponding to roughly 13 million men in the United States. Associated symptoms can include reduced mood, lower sex drive, and decreased muscle mass. Diagnosis is made through blood testing, and treatment options exist for confirmed cases.

Dr. Mohit Khera, who chaired a US Food and Drug Administration expert panel on screening and testosterone use in the military, stated that screening all men over 30 provides a key indicator of current and future health status. He noted that younger men with low levels may face disadvantages in muscle mass and energy that could affect combat readiness. Khera cautioned that therapy should be limited to individuals with symptoms and documented deficiency, as administration in the absence of need carries risks including infertility for those in reproductive years and a theoretical increase in cardiovascular events. Documented benefits of replacement therapy in appropriate cases include gains in muscle mass, reductions in fat, lower risk of depression, and improved bone mineral density over time.

The announcement follows separate administration efforts to ease prescribing restrictions for testosterone products. The FDA has requested removal of certain safety and effectiveness language from product labelling and proposed adjustments to prescribing limits. The new military screening protocol does not alter existing prohibitions on non-prescribed use.

Additional reporting by Michelle Roberts.