U.S. Military Orders Annual Testosterone Tests for Troops 30+, Recommends Therapy if Needed
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 15
U.S. Military Orders Annual Testosterone Tests for Troops 30+, Recommends Therapy if Needed
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jul 15
Summary
Troops aged 30 and older will get annual testosterone screening during routine health assessments, while younger service members can request the test voluntarily.
Pete Hegseth said doctors could recommend testosterone replacement therapy after screening, but treatment would remain optional and be framed as restoring natural capability rather than enhancing performance.
The Pentagon did not say whether female service members would receive estrogen screening or whether refusing recommended therapy could carry any consequences, referring questions back to Hegseth’s announcement.
The policy aligns with a broader Trump administration push to expand hormone therapy access: HHS proposed loosening testosterone restrictions this month after an FDA panel urged changes in December.
Testosterone therapy has carried warning labels since 2015, but a 2023 TRAVERSE trial found no increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, helping support the administration’s wider access push.