Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the U.S. military will begin screening service members for testosterone deficiency as part of a new initiative aimed at improving long-term health and operational readiness.
The program will require annual testosterone testing for active-duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older, while troops under 30 will be able to request testing voluntarily.
Those found to have low testosterone levels may choose to receive voluntary testosterone replacement therapy.
Hegseth said the initiative is intended to help ensure service members remain "strong, resilient and capable" and stressed that it is "not about artificial enhancement."
The Pentagon said the policy takes effect immediately.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the screening protocol is designed to establish a comprehensive baseline for testosterone deficiency and provide targeted treatment where appropriate.
Hegseth said the initiative seeks to ensure troops have the hormone levels needed to perform "at your absolute best" while also supporting their health beyond military service.
The military continues to prohibit testosterone use for non-medical purposes, including performance enhancement without a doctor's prescription.
Medical experts note that testosterone replacement therapy can increase muscle mass, improve bone density, reduce fat deposition and help address some symptoms associated with low testosterone.
However, specialists also caution that treatment is not appropriate for everyone and may carry risks, including infertility in younger men and potential cardiovascular concerns.
Current medical guidelines generally recommend hormone therapy only for patients with documented low testosterone levels and related symptoms rather than routine treatment for all men.
The announcement comes as officials in the Trump administration, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have advocated expanding access to testosterone therapies.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration proposed easing prescribing restrictions on certain testosterone products.
The policy also prompted criticism from some Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds, who questioned whether hormone screening should also be offered to female service members.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan both called for broader hormone testing across the armed forces, arguing it could help identify fertility-related health issues affecting military personnel.
The Pentagon did not provide additional details regarding screening for female troops or research supporting the new military-wide policy.