Five of six experts question Pentagon's testosterone screening mandate

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, claiming it will maintain military readiness. However, five of six men's health experts contacted by Reuters expressed puzzlement and concern, warning the mandate may lead to unnecessary or harmful treatment, including infertility and heart risks. The American Urological Association and Endocrine Society recommend testosterone supplementation only for symptomatic patients. Critics note that age 30 is not an appropriate screening threshold and that evidence for performance benefits is not concrete. The mandate is part of broader controversial healthcare policy changes by the Trump administration, including reversing the flu vaccine mandate and altering vaccine advisory panels.