Pentagon mandates testosterone screening for personnel 30-plus

By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times - Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Pentagon is requiring testosterone deficiency screening for military members 30 and older during their annual health assessment, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday.

In a message posted on X, Mr. Hegseth said the new policy is meant to improve the operational performance and long-term health needs of the troops.

“While we invest heavily in our weapons systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter,” Mr. Hegseth said. “We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage.”

He said it was “well-established science” that as someone ages, testosterone levels naturally decrease.

Military personnel under 30 can volunteer for the testosterone screening as well. Limited food intake combined with the prolonged physical exertion common in the military can lead to energy deficits that weaken the body and mind.

“If treatment is recommended, it is entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy. This initiative is not about artificial enhancement,” Mr. Hegseth said. “It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”

The modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting, demanding maximum mental readiness, Mr. Hegseth said.

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine recently tested the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy in the military. Analysts followed troops for 28 days, during which they experienced controlled energy deficits and received weekly testosterone injections.

The results of the therapy indicated reduced weight loss and an increase in lean muscle mass, leading to health improvements, according to the study.

“We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world. This program delivers on that obligation,” Mr. Hegseth said. “Taking care of your long-term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable — not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life.”