Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Doctors Warn Against Pentagon's Testosterone Testing Plan
The Pentagon wants to test all soldiers over 30 for low testosterone every year to keep them ready for battle.
But many doctors say this might not help and could even cause problems.
They warn that giving testosterone to people who don't need it could make them infertile or cause other health issues.
The FDA has also warned about possible heart problems.
Some experts think testing could be useful, but others say it's not necessary for most people.
The Pentagon hasn't said how they will handle the results or if the tests will be the same for men and women.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered yearly testosterone-deficiency screening for troops aged 30 and above.
Five out of six medical experts questioned the policy's effectiveness and potential risks.
Medical bodies recommend testosterone treatment only for confirmed deficiency with symptoms, not age alone.
Experts warn that unnecessary testosterone treatment can cause infertility, thickened blood, and mood swings.
The Pentagon hasn't specified how abnormal results will be handled or if screening will apply equally to men and women.
- Who
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and medical experts
- What
- Annual testosterone-deficiency screening for troops aged 30 and above
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- United States military
- Why
- To improve combat readiness, but experts question the scientific basis and potential risks
- Policy Initiator
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Affected Group
- Active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and above
- Medical Concern
- Potential risks of overtreatment and infertility
- FDA Warning
- Eased heart-risk warning but noted higher rates of abnormal heart rhythm and bone fractures
- Expert Opinion
- Five out of six experts questioned the policy's effectiveness
- Condition Cited
- Operator Syndrome in special forces troops