EU to Require Testosterone Tests for Military Personnel Over 30; Treatment Will Be Optional, Says Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced that American military personnel aged 30 and over will undergo tests for testosterone deficiency as part of their annual medical examinations. Hegseth stated in a video posted on X that the program aims to ensure soldiers have the necessary testosterone levels for optimal performance.

"It is scientifically well-established that as we age, testosterone levels naturally fall," Hegseth said in the video. He clarified that the initiative is not about "artificial enhancement" but rather about "restoring and optimizing natural capabilities, protecting longevity, and ensuring they have the necessary biological foundation to sustain the battle."

The decision follows Hegseth's earlier remarks about restoring a "masculine standard" in the military. The proposed screenings will be part of the annual health assessments for soldiers over 30. The secretary indicated that while treatment, such as testosterone replacement therapy, will be recommended, it will be entirely optional for the soldiers.

Soldiers under the age of 30 will also have the option to be examined if they wish. Hegseth used gender-neutral terms like "warfighters" in English, and it was not specified whether the examination and optional treatment would extend to women, whose testosterone levels also decrease with age. When asked for further details, the Pentagon stated they had nothing further to add beyond the secretary's video.