Pentagon withdraws testosterone-testing guidance for troops

The Pentagon published its detailed testosterone guidance on Wednesday, then removed both the document and a related statement by spokesman Sean Parnell the following day. The Defense Department said the document had been temporarily withdrawn to allow an update, adding that temporary guidance remains in force.

The withdrawn document outlined separate procedures for identifying testosterone deficiencies in men and women. Male service members aged 30 and older would complete a questionnaire during annual health assessments. Depending on the answers, they could undergo a blood test to measure testosterone levels and, if a deficiency were found, begin testosterone therapy.

The Pentagon said the guidance was intended to improve military readiness by identifying and treating hormonal problems and conditions linked to the body's energy availability. Women would also be screened through questionnaires, with treatment for hormonal disorders considered according to the results. Testosterone use in women would be limited to diagnoses for which evidence supports its effectiveness, including hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had supported testosterone use and announced mandatory testing in July. The decision prompted experts to question its scientific basis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in mid-September on the medical use of testosterone.

After the withdrawal, links to the memorandum and the Pentagon spokesman's statement displayed a “Page Not Found” message. Doctors had already warned that widespread testing could result in unnecessary or potentially harmful treatment, and said there was not enough evidence that universal screening of military personnel would improve U.S. combat readiness.

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The document published on September 2, 2026, was temporarily withdrawn to allow it to be updated.