US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory annual testosterone screening for troops 30 years old or above on Wednesday, an initiative he said was aimed at combating testosterone deficiency that can undermine health.
“It’s well-established science that as we age, testosterone levels naturally drop,” Hegseth said in his video message posted on X/Twitter.
The screening would be incorporated into the annual health assessment required for all service members; it would be automatically included for those aged 30 and above, and younger service members could voluntarily opt in.
Should an individual’s testosterone levels fall below the benchmark, Hegseth explained, they will be offered testosterone replacement therapy.
“It is entirely your choice,” he added.
Hegseth also noted that this initiative “is not about artificial enhancement.” He stressed that the initiative was designed to restore and protect service members’ “natural capabilities” and longevity.
The defense secretary also claimed that addressing testosterone deficiency would promote the psychological and mental “readiness” of service members, not just physical stamina.
“By addressing these health markers early, we are keeping you on the leading edge of lethality and giving the same level of support that you give this nation,” Hegseth said.
When asked for comment by NBC News, the Defense Department declined to say whether there would be estrogen screenings for female service members and if there would be repercussions for service members who declined the recommended testosterone treatment, instead referring NBC News to Hegseth’s video.
Testosterone levels are declining worldwide, new study reveals
According to a recent study, average testosterone levels in men globally have fallen by 54% in less than five decades.
Low testosterone levels may manifest as fatigue, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and reduced bone density. Some men may also experience mood disorders, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sperm production.
US Health Department eases some restrictions on HRT
The move comes as the US Department of Health and Human Services has moved to ease some restrictions on testosterone replacement therapies, including announcing last month it would seek to remove limits on use in men with age-related low testosterone.
Still, Hegseth’s announcement triggered backlash from opposition Democrats, who pointed to his ban on transgender service members who often depended on hormone therapy.
“So now y’all support gender-affirming care?” Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee said.
“Sounds like gender-affirming care to me,” Senator Tammy Duckworth added.
Reuters and Itay Gal contributed to this report.
