WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday the implementation of a new screening program aimed at identifying “testosterone deficiency” among military personnel. Hegseth stated that the initiative is essential to ensure troops can operate at their "absolute best." Under this program, annual screenings will be required for service members aged 30 and older, while those younger than 30 can volunteer for testing. The Secretary indicated that testosterone replacement therapy would be offered on a voluntary basis.
In a promotional video, Hegseth addressed the necessity of keeping troops “strong, resilient, and capable,” emphasizing the demands posed by modern battlefields on troops’ psychological and mental readiness. However, it is noteworthy that Hegseth's remarks specifically appeared to target male service members in the military regarding hormone testing.
The announcement comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny about testosterone use in military settings, particularly among special operations forces like Navy SEALs. A tragic incident in 2022 involving the death of a SEAL recruit during training revealed the prevalence of substance use, including testosterone, within the elite program, prompting the Navy to initiate a drug-testing program focusing on hormonal substances.
Despite Hegseth's assurances that the program is “not about artificial enhancement,” concerns linger regarding the scientific basis for such initiatives. The Pentagon has not provided information regarding the research or studies that support this policy change. There is also uncertainty about whether female service members may undergo evaluations for estrogen-based therapies as they approach perimenopause.
Testosterone naturally declines with age in men, often leading to issues such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, mood changes, and weight gain. While some recent studies have indicated potential benefits of testosterone therapy in treating certain conditions, significant debate remains within the medical community regarding blanket testing and treatment protocols. Current guidelines commonly advise against routine testosterone testing, suggesting that therapy should only be discussed with men exhibiting troubling symptoms and documented low hormone levels from two blood tests.
Political figures and influencers from the Trump administration, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have advocated for broader access to testosterone therapies, coinciding with a proposal from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relax prescribing limits. Currently, testosterone medications are typically prescribed only to men with hypogonadism, a condition characterized by critically low testosterone levels.
Wary medical experts highlight the difference between medically necessary testosterone therapy and the broader claims made by proponents who associate the hormone with benefits like enhanced youthfulness, muscle growth, and cognitive sharpness. While some studies affirm the potential for testosterone to improve certain aspects of health, overall well-being measurements showed minimal or no improvements.
Female Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds have criticized the new policy. Senator Tammy Duckworth remarked that the policy resembles gender-affirming care and insisted that hormone screenings should be accessible to all service members, highlighting fertility issues faced by both men and women in the military. Representative Chrissy Houlahan echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the policy reflects input from extreme circles within the manosphere.
Hegseth's previous statements reveal his belief that women should not serve in combat roles and that any qualifications should be based on “the highest male standard.” Moreover, he has faced criticism for obstructing military promotions for women and making personnel changes that affect female leaders since assuming his role.
Earlier this year, Hegseth repealed the military’s long-standing flu vaccine mandate, citing principles of medical autonomy and religious freedom, leading to an outbreak at a U.S. Air Force boot camp that affected nearly 300 individuals.
