Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Pentagon Temporarily Rescinds Testosterone Screening Guidance for U.S. Troops
The Pentagon made a plan to check some troops for low testosterone and other hormone problems.
The plan applied to service members who were at least 30 years old.
It was posted online on September 2, 2026, but was taken down the next day.
Officials said they removed the draft so it could be updated.
Men would first answer questions and might then receive a blood test.
Women could also be checked for certain hormone-related problems.
Some doctors supported screening because it might find hidden health issues.
Other doctors worried that unnecessary testosterone treatment could cause harm.
Experts also said there is not much evidence that testing everyone would make the military more ready for combat.
The Pentagon temporarily rescinded mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening guidance for service members aged 30 and older.
The guidance was posted on September 2, 2026, then removed from Pentagon and Defense Health Agency websites the next day.
Officials said the draft was withdrawn to allow updates, while interim guidance remains in effect.
The plan called for questionnaires that could lead to blood tests and treatment for certain hormone-related conditions.
Doctors cited possible health benefits but also warned about overtreatment, medical risks, and limited evidence that universal screening would improve combat readiness.
- Who
- The Pentagon, U.S. service members aged 30 and older, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and medical experts are involved.
- What
- The Pentagon temporarily rescinded clinical guidance for mandatory testosterone-deficiency and related hormone screening.
- When
- The guidance was published on September 2, 2026, and removed the following day; the FDA plans an expert meeting in mid-September.
- Where
- The guidance was posted on the Pentagon and Defense Health Agency websites.
- Why
- The Pentagon said updates were needed; officials described the policy as a readiness measure, while doctors questioned its evidence and warned about possible harm.
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 She said the withdrawn guidance included repeat testing, evaluation of reversible causes, treatment of those causes, and fertility counseling.
Critics and Medical Concerns
Critics said there is little evidence that universal low-testosterone screening of military personnel would improve combat readiness. 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 produce overtreatment and harm, including worsened sleep apnea, increased red blood cell counts, heart problems, infertility, and exacerbation of undiagnosed prostate cancer.
Policy purpose
Supporters and Pentagon Rationale
The Pentagon said the policy was intended to address hormonal and energy-availability issues as part of improving military readiness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had promoted testosterone use.
Critics and Medical Concerns
Medical experts questioned the policy's scientific basis and said there is no evidence that widespread screening would achieve a positive result. The guidance was withdrawn for updates.
- Policy status
- The draft guidance was temporarily rescinded, and interim guidance remains in effect.
- Target group
- U.S. service members aged 30 and older.
- Publication date
- September 2, 2026.
- Men's screening
- A questionnaire could lead to testosterone blood testing and, if necessary, testosterone therapy.
- Women's screening
- A questionnaire could lead to treatment for hormonal conditions associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.
- 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, worsened sleep apnea, increased red blood cell counts, heart problems, infertility, and exacerbation of undiagnosed prostate cancer.
