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US Defense Secretary Hegseth requires testosterone testing for troops over 30

Hegseth wants to test troops for low testosteroneUS to require testosterone testing for troops over 30

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on July 15 that military personnel age 30 and older must undergo annual testosterone screening to ensure they operate at their best.

The program aims to identify testosterone deficiency as part of routine health checks to maintain peak operational readiness. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. military to address biological factors that may impact troop performance.

U.S. Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense views the testosterone screening as a necessary measure to ensure troops maintain peak physical readiness for operational demands.

Medical Experts

Some medical experts express concern that the annual screening for testosterone deficiency may overemphasize hormone levels without addressing broader health factors affecting military readiness.

  • Hegseth previously served as a Fox News host before his appointment as Defense Secretary.
  • Testosterone levels naturally decline by about 1% per year after age 30 in most men.
  • The U.S. military has conducted similar hormone-based readiness screenings in limited pilot programs before 2026.