Five men's health experts question Pentagon's testosterone screening plan lacking scientific evidence

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 concern that the mandate lacks solid scientific evidence and may lead to unnecessary or harmful treatment, including infertility, testicular shrinkage, and cardiovascular risks. The American Urological Association and Endocrine Society recommend testosterone supplementation only for symptomatic patients with confirmed deficiency. Critics note that age 30 is not an appropriate screening threshold and that widespread implementation without preliminary data is premature. The policy is one of several controversial healthcare changes by the Trump administration, including a reversed flu vaccine mandate and altered vaccine advisory panels. The Pentagon declined further comment.