Democratic Senators Request Details on Pentagon Testosterone Screening Plan for Service Members Over 30

Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Gary Peters of Michigan, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ruben Gallego of Arizona wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 20 requesting information about a directive that requires testosterone screening for all service members age 30 and older during annual physical health assessments.

The letter states that the Pentagon has provided no evidence the policy will improve force readiness or health and has not explained its scientific basis, costs or risks. Hegseth issued the directive on or before July 13.

It applies to women as well as men age 30 and older, while service members under 30 may request testing voluntarily. Any recommendation for testosterone replacement therapy remains voluntary for all ages. Hegseth set an August 15 deadline for a plan to implement the screenings, though the policy has not been formally put in place and no start date has been set.

The cost of the screenings is unknown, and the Pentagon may need to hire additional medical personnel to conduct the tests. The directive forms part of a broader effort by Hegseth to adjust fitness tests and reassess body-fat standards, including new measurement methods introduced earlier in July.

The Army has begun integrating gender-neutral fitness requirements for soldiers in ground combat roles. Testosterone deficiency affects roughly 2 percent of men, according to the American Urological Association. Rob Evans, an Army veteran, said nutrition issues on military bases constitute a readiness, retention, recruiting and long-term health issue.