1 hr ago
Pentagon Rescinds Testosterone Screening Guidance Pending Updates
The Pentagon had created a new plan to check some troops for low testosterone and other hormone-related problems.
The plan applied to service members who were at least 30 years old.
It was published online but removed the next day.
Officials said it was temporarily withdrawn so it could be updated.
The plan would have started with questionnaires and sometimes included blood tests.
Some people could have received hormone treatment if doctors found a medical need.
One doctor supported the checks because they might find hidden health problems.
Another doctor warned that unnecessary treatment could cause harm.
Experts also questioned whether widespread testing would make the military more ready for combat.
The Pentagon temporarily rescinded clinical guidance for mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening of service members aged 30 and older.
The guidance, published on September 2, 2026, was removed from Pentagon and Defense Health Agency websites the following day.
Men would have completed questionnaires that could lead to blood tests and, if necessary, testosterone therapy.
Women would have been screened for hormonal issues, including conditions associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.
Doctors disagreed over the policy, citing possible health benefits but also risks of overtreatment and insufficient evidence that it would improve combat readiness.
- Who
- The Pentagon, U.S. service members aged 30 and older, and medical experts are involved.
- What
- The Pentagon temporarily rescinded guidance for mandatory testosterone-deficiency and hormone-related screening.
- Where
- The guidance was posted on Pentagon and Defense Health Agency websites.
- When
- The guidance was published on September 2, 2026, and removed the following day.
- Why
- The Pentagon said it needed to update the document; doctors also raised concerns about evidence, overtreatment, and potential health risks.
Supporters and Pentagon Rationale
Critics and Medical Concerns
Value of screening
Supporters and Pentagon Rationale
Dr. Helen Bernie supported the program because screening could identify men with significant underlying health problems. She said the withdrawn guidance included safeguards such as repeat testing, evaluation of reversible causes, and fertility counseling.
Critics and Medical Concerns
Doctors said there is little evidence that universal low-testosterone screening of military personnel would improve combat readiness, and the American Urological Association and Endocrine Society do not recommend routine screening.
Testosterone treatment
Supporters and Pentagon Rationale
Dr. Jason Goldman acknowledged that testosterone replacement can be useful when patients are appropriately tested for conditions in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone.
Critics and Medical Concerns
Goldman warned that broad testing could lead to overtreatment and harm, including worsened sleep apnea, increased red blood cell counts, heart risks, infertility, and exacerbation of undiagnosed prostate cancer.
Policy direction
Supporters and Pentagon Rationale
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promoted testosterone use, while the Pentagon said the guidance was intended to support military readiness by addressing hormonal and energy-availability issues.
Critics and Medical Concerns
The guidance was withdrawn for updates after experts questioned its scientific basis, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration planned a mid-September expert meeting on testosterone's medical use.
Key facts
- Policy status
- Temporarily rescinded; interim guidance remains in effect.
- Target group
- Service members aged 30 and older.
- Men's screening
- A questionnaire could lead to testosterone blood testing and, if needed, hormone therapy.
- Women's screening
- A questionnaire could lead to treatment for hormonal imbalance, including issues associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.
- Testosterone therapy
- The guidance advised it for women only in cases of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.
- Pentagon rationale
- The policy was intended to identify and manage hormonal and energy-availability issues to improve military readiness.
- Medical concerns
- Doctors cited possible overtreatment, sleep-apnea worsening, increased red blood cell counts, heart risks, infertility, and possible exacerbation of undiagnosed prostate cancer.
Quotes
A US official
Unnamed US official who described the Pentagon's decision to Reuters
“The draft (document) published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates”
telegraphindia.com
Jason Goldman
Internal medicine physician and immediate past president of the American College of Physicians
“Taking testosterone is not going to make you more manly, more strong, or a more robust individual. That's just not how it works. It's just bad policy all around.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Pentagon Orders Immediate Testosterone Screening for Male Troops
Trump denies 'fake' report of Hegseth clash over munitions shortages
Iran War Depletes US THAAD, Patriot Interceptors; Pentagon Denies
Trump Denies Report of Clash With Hegseth Over Weapons
Pilots' body warns OTC medicines may cause false-positive drug tests
