US Pentagon mandates immediate troop testosterone screening for those 30+

The guidance establishes standardized screening and treatment pathways for both men and women, intended to enhance military readiness by addressing hormonal and energy-availability issues. Men aged 30 and above will be subject to mandatory testosterone blood tests, while younger men will only be tested if requested or if clinicians observe warning signs.

For women, the policy does not mandate routine testosterone tests but includes screening for fatigue and disrupted menstrual cycles, which can indicate hormonal dysregulation and low-energy availability. The document also outlines criteria for prescribing testosterone off-label to postmenopausal women experiencing unusually low sexual desire.

However, medical professionals have voiced concerns that widespread testosterone testing could lead to unnecessary or harmful treatments, citing a lack of evidence that such screening improves U.S. combat readiness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is planning a mid-September meeting of experts to discuss the medical use of testosterone.