Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Pentagon Orders Mandatory Testosterone Screening for Older Troops
The Pentagon wants older male service members to be checked for possible low testosterone.
The rule generally applies to men aged 30 and above, while younger personnel can ask for testing.
Being tested does not mean someone will automatically receive medicine.
Doctors must find both matching symptoms and repeatedly low testosterone levels.
They must usually use two fasting blood tests taken in the morning on different days.
Some symptoms may also be caused by poor sleep, stress, not eating enough, or other problems.
The guidance says treatment can help certain issues, such as sexual function, body composition, and bone health.
It does not support using testosterone just to make someone stronger or perform better in battle.
Service members can refuse evaluation or treatment without a personnel penalty.
The Defense Health Agency issued guidance on September 17 requiring testosterone-deficiency screening for male service members aged 30 and older.
The policy covers active-duty and reserve personnel; those under 30 may request screening.
A diagnosis requires compatible symptoms and consistently low testosterone levels from two fasting morning blood tests taken on separate days.
The guidance permits treatment for confirmed deficiency but does not support testosterone solely for performance enhancement.
Fewer than 1 percent of male service members had an active clinical diagnosis annually from 2018 through 2025.
- Who
- The Pentagon, through the Defense Health Agency, and male U.S. military personnel, particularly those aged 30 and older.
- What
- The military issued standardized guidance for mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening and limits on testosterone treatment.
- When
- The Defense Health Agency issued the guidance on September 17, under a July directive; surveillance data cited cover 2018 through 2025.
- Where
- The U.S. military.
- Why
- The Pentagon linked the initiative to combat readiness while stating that testosterone should treat diagnosed deficiency rather than enhance performance.
- Screening age
- Mandatory for male service members aged 30 and older; personnel under 30 may request screening.
- Covered personnel
- Active-duty and reserve service members.
- Diagnostic standard
- Compatible symptoms plus consistently low testosterone levels are required.
- Blood testing
- Two fasting morning samples are generally required on separate days.
- Diagnosis rate
- Fewer than 1 percent of male service members had an active clinical diagnosis annually from 2018 through 2025.
- Supported treatment benefits
- The guidance cites benefits for sexual function, body composition, and bone mineral density.
- Treatment choice
- Declining evaluation or treatment carries no adverse personnel consequence.