Five of six experts question Pentagon's testosterone screening mandate for troops aged 30+

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, warning the mandate could lead to unnecessary or harmful treatment, including infertility and heart risks. The American Urological Association and Endocrine Society recommend testosterone therapy only for symptomatic patients with confirmed deficiency. Critics note that age 30 is not a valid screening threshold and that evidence for performance benefits in younger men is lacking. The policy is part of a series of controversial healthcare changes by the Trump administration, including reversing the flu vaccine mandate. The Pentagon declined further comment.