Pentagon Issues Clinical Guidance on Troop Testosterone Testing

The Pentagon has issued immediate clinical guidance for a new testosterone-deficiency screening program tied to routine military health assessments.

Men in active-duty and reserve forces age 30 and older will receive mandatory blood screening; younger men may be screened if they request it or a clinician sees warning signs.

The guidance, which is effective immediately, establishes standardized screening and treatment pathways for men and women that the Pentagon says are aimed at improving military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues.

Hegseth, who has ⁠promoted the use of testosterone, announced the mandate last month, raising questions among experts about whether there was a scientific basis for such a policy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to hold a meeting of experts to discuss medical use of testosterone in mid-September.

According to the guidance, men age 30 and older will receive mandatory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will be tested only on ‌request ⁠or if clinicians identify warning signs...