The Pentagon on Sept. 18 issued new guidance requiring testosterone deficiency screening for male service members aged 30 and older, after rescinding earlier rules. The Defense Health Agency will oversee standardized, DHA-led screening and referral pathways based on a structured symptom and risk-factor assessment. Under-30 personnel will be screened only on request or when clinical signs are present. Officials say the policy aims to protect service members' health and strengthen force readiness.
Pentagon Requires Testosterone Screening for Male Service Members Over 30 to Boost Readiness
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is seeking to implement mandatory testosterone guidance for men over age 30 on active duty or in the reserves. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
Sept. 18 — The Pentagon on Thursday released new guidance requiring testosterone deficiency screening for male service members older than 30 who are serving on active duty or in the reserves.
The updated policy follows the Department of Defense's decision earlier this month to rescind prior guidance on the issue. The DoD said the revised guidance is intended to identify and address testosterone deficiency in male personnel while establishing uniform screening protocols and referral pathways under the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
What the Guidance Says
The DHA-directed screening will begin with a structured symptom and risk-factor assessment. For male service members under 30, screening will be performed only on request or when a clinician identifies clinical indicators that warrant testing.
"By proactively identifying and treating suboptimal hormone levels, the Department continues to invest in the health of its warfighters, strengthen their performance and maximize force readiness," Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.
The guidance also aligns with a push announced in July by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to screen service members' testosterone levels and make testosterone replacement therapy available when clinically appropriate. Pentagon officials said the measure is designed to help maintain a fighting force "prepared to dominate the battlefield and achieve peace through strength."
Implementation And Purpose
The new policy centralizes screening and referral under the DHA to ensure consistent procedures across the services. Officials describe the effort as both a health initiative and a readiness measure, saying early detection and treatment of hormone deficiencies can improve service members' well-being and operational performance.
What This Means For Service Members: Men over 30 can expect routine assessment for testosterone deficiency under the new guidance. Those under 30 should consult their medical provider if they have symptoms; testing will follow clinical judgment or personal request.
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