Five of six men's health experts question Pentagon's mandatory testosterone screening plan

Published Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered annual testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older, citing military readiness. However, five of six men's health experts contacted by Reuters expressed puzzlement and concern that the mandate could lead to unnecessary or harmful treatment, including infertility and heart risks. Medical guidelines recommend testosterone therapy only for symptomatic patients, not blanket screening. Critics note that evidence for performance benefits is not concrete, and that widespread screening without preliminary study data is premature. The policy is part of a series of controversial healthcare changes by the Trump administration, including reversing the flu vaccine mandate.