04.09.2026 06:50
The U.S. Department of Defense has made testosterone testing mandatory for male soldiers aged 30 and over. Routine testing will not be applied to female soldiers, but symptoms of hormonal imbalance and energy deficiency will be monitored. However, some experts argue that the practice lacks sufficient scientific basis and may lead to unnecessary treatments.
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has announced new testosterone screening guidelines regarding health checks for active-duty and reserve military personnel. Under the regulation, different evaluation processes will be applied for male and female soldiers.
With the new practice, the Pentagon aims to detect hormonal issues and health problems linked to energy deficiency early and to increase soldiers' readiness levels for duty.
MANDATORY TEST FOR MEN AGED 30 AND OVER According to the new directive, testosterone levels of male soldiers aged 30 and over will be measured through blood tests. For men under 30, the test will be administered if requested by the individual or if a doctor detects symptoms indicating low testosterone.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced the mandatory testosterone screening decision in July. Hegseth's decision, who has previously supported testosterone use, had drawn criticism from some doctors and experts.
DIFFERENT PRACTICE FOR FEMALE SOLDIERS Routine testosterone testing will not be conducted on female soldiers. Instead, it is envisioned to monitor symptoms that may be linked to fatigue, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances.
The Pentagon also requested that female soldiers be evaluated for 'low energy availability' and 'relative energy deficiency' seen in athletes.
Pete Hegseth PRESCRIBING TESTOSTERONE TO WOMEN ALSO INCLUDED IN DIRECTIVE The new guidelines also included situations where prescribing testosterone to women could be considered. It was stated that off-label use of testosterone could be evaluated, particularly in women experiencing unusually low sexual desire in the post-menopausal period.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also expected to address the medical use of testosterone at a meeting to be held in mid-September with the participation of experts.
CRITICISM FROM EXPERTS OVER 'SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE' The Pentagon's practice has also brought about debates in medical circles. Some doctors warn that widespread testosterone screening could lead to unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments.
Experts also argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence showing that routinely screening military personnel for low testosterone would increase the U.S. military's combat and mission readiness capacity.