Doctors raise concerns over Pentagon testosterone screening

The Pentagon's decision to introduce annual testosterone screening for U.S. military personnel aged 30 and above has sparked debate among medical

The Pentagon’s decision to introduce annual testosterone screening for U.S. military personnel aged 30 and above has sparked debate among medical experts, with several doctors warning that the policy may lack sufficient scientific evidence and could expose service members to unnecessary health risks.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced that all active-duty and reserve military personnel aged 30 or older will undergo yearly screening for testosterone deficiency. According to the Defense Department, the initiative aims to improve combat readiness, physical performance, resilience and long-term health among troops. Hegseth said the screenings would be paired with medical guidance, while any treatment for low testosterone would remain voluntary.

The announcement is part of a series of healthcare policy changes introduced by the current U.S. administration. However, many healthcare professionals have expressed concern over the scientific basis of the new policy.

Several leading men’s health specialists said there is no convincing evidence that routinely testing every military member over the age of 30 would improve combat effectiveness. They noted that testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but age alone is not considered a valid reason for universal screening.

Medical organizations, including the American Urological Association and the Endocrine Society, recommend testosterone replacement therapy only for individuals who have both confirmed low testosterone levels and symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass or decreased bone density.

Doctors warned that treating individuals who do not have symptoms could lead to unnecessary medication and serious side effects. Testosterone therapy may reduce fertility, shrink the testes and increase the risk of blood thickening, acne, hair loss, prostate problems, breast tissue enlargement and mood changes.

Some experts also raised concerns that many military personnel are young adults who may still wish to have children. They cautioned that inappropriate testosterone treatment could affect fertility, and recovery after stopping therapy is not always guaranteed.

Supporters of the policy argue that testosterone testing can identify men with genuine hormone deficiencies or reversible health conditions such as obesity, poor sleep or unhealthy lifestyles. They believe early detection could help improve overall health when managed under proper medical supervision.

Hegseth said the policy is also intended to address “Operator Syndrome,” a condition reported among elite special operations personnel that involves low testosterone, traumatic brain injuries, sleep disorders and metabolic problems resulting from years of intense combat training and operations.

However, researchers who have studied the condition pointed out that elite special forces personnel are not representative of the wider military population. They argued that more scientific research is needed before expanding routine hormone screening to all service members.

Medical experts added that lifestyle improvements, including better sleep, nutrition and regular exercise, may naturally restore testosterone levels in many younger individuals without requiring hormone replacement therapy.