Key facts
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory testosterone screenings for male troops aged 30 and older.
- The policy allows soldiers with low testosterone to opt for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- Medical professionals warn that TRT can lead to infertility, decreased sperm count, and other health risks.
- Experts caution that symptoms of low testosterone can overlap with other conditions, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
- The Pentagon has not detailed the implementation plan for the new policy among its 1.3 million active-duty troops.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new policy requiring all male military personnel aged 30 and older to undergo routine testing for low testosterone. Those found to have low levels will have the option to begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
However, medical experts are expressing caution regarding the policy. They warn that TRT can lead to significant side effects, including infertility and decreased sperm count, and can take up to a year or more to reverse if the treatment was unnecessary. Experts also highlight that symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as fatigue and low libido, can be caused by numerous other conditions, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Dr. James Anaissie, a urologist, stated that TRT is a lifelong decision and that unnecessary treatment can cause the body to struggle with natural testosterone production upon cessation. Dr. Joseph Alukal, a professor of urology, described the Pentagon's program as "misguided," predicting it will lead to men receiving TRT who do not medically require it. He emphasized that treatment should only be prescribed to individuals with both low blood levels and corresponding symptoms, as per American Urological Association guidelines.
The number of individuals seeking TRT in the US has surged in recent years, with some attributing this to public figures like podcaster Joe Rogan and social media influencers promoting its perceived benefits. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also spoken about TRT as part of his anti-aging regimen, and the FDA, which he oversees, has announced plans to reduce some health warnings associated with TRT. The Pentagon has offered few details on the implementation of the new screening policy for its approximately 1.3 million active-duty troops.