US Defense Department mandates testosterone screening for service members over 30

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The US Department of Defense has put in place a policy requiring mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve military personnel aged 30 and older, according to Reuters. The directive follows a decision announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July and aims to improve combat readiness through early detection and treatment of hormonal issues. Under the new rules, male service members over 30 will undergo blood tests to measure testosterone levels. Younger men will be tested only at their own request or if a physician identifies a warning sign. Routine testosterone screening will not be required for female service members, though symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, such as fatigue and menstrual irregularities, will be assessed. The US Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to hold an expert meeting later this month to review the medical use of testosterone. Some physicians have cautioned that broad testosterone screening could lead to unnecessary treatment or cause harm, adding that there is insufficient scientific evidence that such screenings improve military combat readiness.