US Defense Department mandates testosterone screening for male service members over 30

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The US Department of Defense has issued new directives making testosterone deficiency screening mandatory for male personnel aged 30 and over in active and reserve forces. The guidelines, effective immediately, follow an announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July. Under the policy, men over 30 will receive testosterone screening as part of the standard blood test process, while men under 30 will be tested only on request or if a physician identifies warning signs. The directives do not require routine testosterone screening for women, though service members are asked to be evaluated for fatigue and menstrual irregularities linked to hormonal imbalance. The Pentagon said the regulation is intended to identify hormonal issues and improve combat readiness. Some physicians have cautioned that broad screening could lead to unnecessary treatment or health risks. The US Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to hold an expert meeting later this month to review the medical use of testosterone.