Hegseth Orders Annual Testosterone Tests for Troops Over 30, Including Women
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15
Hegseth Orders Annual Testosterone Tests for Troops Over 30, Including Women
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15
Summary
All U.S. service members over 30 will face annual testosterone-deficiency screening under a new Pentagon mandate, with troops under 30 allowed to opt in voluntarily.
Hormone treatment will remain optional for anyone found to have low levels, which Hegseth said is meant to restore and optimize troops' natural capability.
Pete Hegseth framed the policy as preserving the military's "most decisive tactical advantage"—the individual warfighter—and promoted a "High-T Department of War" in a social media message.
The move stands out as U.S. forces ramp up attacks in Iran, shifting the defense secretary's attention toward personal health metrics rather than the alliances, weapons and strategy that usually dominate the job.
It also fits Hegseth's broader hands-on approach to troop standards, following his push to tighten grooming rules and end beard exemptions for some service members.