Pentagon mandates testosterone screening for troops 30+, experts question 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, claiming it will maintain 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 other 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 most studies have been conducted on older men. The FDA recently removed a warning about heart attack and stroke risks from testosterone labels, but a study showed higher rates of atrial arrhythmia and bone fractures. The mandate is part of broader controversial healthcare policy changes by the Trump administration, including reversing the flu vaccine mandate.