US Defense Secretary Orders Annual Testosterone Screening for Service Members Aged 30 and Older

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ordered annual testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older. Hegseth stated the screening will help maintain military readiness and ensure troops operate at their best. He said the goals include improving resilience, longevity and performance, and addressing operator syndrome among special forces.

Hegseth said testing will include advice on treatment decisions and that treatment will remain voluntary. The order reverses the military’s longstanding flu vaccine mandate after a flu outbreak. The Department of Health and Human Services separately removed 17 members from its vaccine advisory panel and altered vaccine recommendations.

Five of six men’s health experts contacted by Reuters said they were puzzled by the testosterone screening announcement and concerned it could lead to unnecessary or harmful treatment. Four of the six doctors said no solid evidence shows that screening all military personnel aged 30 and older would optimize combat readiness.

Dr Kevin McVary, a urologist, stated that evidence for cognitive and stamina improvements comes only from symptomatic patients.

The American Urological Association and the Endocrine Society recommend supplementation only for confirmed deficiency with symptoms such as reduced libido or fatigue. Dr Haleem Mohammed noted a population-level 1% annual decline after ages 30-40 that varies by individual. Dr Ugis Gruntmanis said most testosterone replacement studies involve older men.

A Cleveland Clinic study of more than 5,200 men aged 45 to 80 with low testosterone prompted the FDA to remove a heart attack and stroke warning from labels, though participants showed higher rates of atrial arrhythmia and bone fractures. All experts contacted by Reuters cited severe impacts on male fertility, noting that many service members are young men who have not completed their families.