Pentagon mandates testosterone testing for U.S. service members

The Pentagon has begun applying a new testosterone policy to active-duty and reserve U.S. service members, including both men and women. The War Department issued the guidance on Sept. 2, following a decision announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in July.

For male personnel aged 30 and older, the policy requires a blood testosterone test. Men under 30 will be tested only if they request it or if doctors identify possible abnormalities.

The rules take a different approach for women. The Pentagon does not require routine testosterone testing for female service members. Instead, doctors will screen for fatigue and menstrual-cycle disruptions, which can be associated with hormonal problems, inadequate energy intake and relative energy deficiency in sport, or RED-S.

The guidance also identifies circumstances in which women may receive prescribed testosterone support. This applies to postmenopausal women with unusually low sexual desire.

The Pentagon says the policy will help identify hormone problems and inadequate energy availability, contributing to military readiness. But the measure has prompted questions from medical experts about the science behind testing across a broad military population. Some doctors warn that widespread testing could result in unnecessary treatment or potential harm, and say there is little evidence that screening all service members for low testosterone would improve the U.S. military’s readiness.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to hold a meeting with experts in mid-September to discuss testosterone use in medical treatment.