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PoliticsPentagon temporarily rescinds mandatory testosterone screening guidance for troops
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The Pentagon has temporarily rescinded recently published clinical guidance for a new mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening policy for U.S. service members aged 30 and older, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters on Thursday. The guidance, titled 'Clinical Guidance for Health and Human Performance Optimization,' was posted on the Pentagon's website on Wednesday but was removed by Thursday, along with an accompanying statement from spokesperson Sean Parnell. A Pentagon official stated that the draft document, published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates, while interim guidance remains in effect. The detailed guidelines had outlined separate screening paths for men and women during annual health assessments, with men aged 30 and older facing a questionnaire that could lead to blood tests and potential testosterone therapy. Women would also be screened via questionnaire, with treatment options for hormonal imbalances, including testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. The policy was intended to improve military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues.
Source report
The Pentagon has temporarily rescinded recently published clinical guidance for a new, mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening policy for service members aged 30 and older, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday.
Key Developments
- On Wednesday, the Pentagon posted the “Clinical Guidance for Health and Human Performance Optimization” on its website.
- By Thursday, the memo and an accompanying statement from spokesperson Sean Parnell had been removed.
- “The draft (document) published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates,” the official said, adding that interim guidance remains in effect.
Details of the Rescinded Guidance
The detailed clinical guidelines had laid out separate testosterone deficiency screening paths for men and women, to be conducted during their annual health assessments.
The guidance was set to take effect immediately, with the Pentagon stating it aimed to improve military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues.
Screening Protocols
- Men aged 30 and older: Would be screened through a questionnaire that could then trigger a blood test for testosterone levels and, if needed, testosterone hormone therapy.
- Women: Would also be screened through a questionnaire, which could then lead to treatment for conditions related to hormonal imbalance. Testosterone would be used in women only for diagnoses with evidence of efficacy, such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, characterized by a distressing level of low sexual interest.
Website Status
“Page Not Found” appeared on websites for both the Pentagon and the Defense Health Agency when clicking on links for the memo and statement.
Source
Army TimesWestern
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Pentagon temporarily rescinds mandatory testosterone screening guidance for troops aged 30 and older