The U.S. Pentagon has introduced detailed guidelines for a new mandatory screening policy for testosterone deficiency in active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and above. This initiative comes as a follow-up to an announcement made in July by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The newly implemented guidance aims to standardize screening and treatment procedures for both male and female service members, with the goal of enhancing military readiness by addressing hormonal and energy-related concerns. Hegseth, a proponent of testosterone use, announced this requirement last month, sparking discussions among experts regarding the scientific rationale behind such a policy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is planning an expert meeting in mid-September to delve into the medical application of testosterone.
Under the guidance, men aged 30 and older will undergo compulsory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will only be tested upon request or if symptoms warrant evaluation by healthcare providers. For women, routine testosterone blood tests are not mandated, but screening for fatigue and irregular menstrual cycles, which may indicate hormonal imbalances, is recommended to address conditions like low-energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sports.
The guidelines also outline scenarios where off-label testosterone prescription for women, particularly postmenopausal individuals with unusually low libido, is deemed appropriate. However, some medical professionals have expressed concerns over the broad implementation of testosterone testing, citing the potential for unnecessary or detrimental treatment. They argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the belief that universal screening for low testosterone levels in military personnel would enhance U.S. combat readiness.