US military mandates testosterone screening for troops over 30

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on July 15, 2026, a new policy requiring mandatory annual testosterone deficiency screening for all active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older as part of their Periodic Health Assessment. Troops under 30 may request voluntary screening. Those diagnosed with a deficiency may opt for testosterone replacement therapy, which Hegseth emphasized is voluntary and not about artificial enhancement. The policy is part of the Pentagon's 'Warfighter Performance Optimisation - Total Force Fitness' initiative and aims to address 'Operator Syndrome' and improve combat readiness. The announcement aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to expand access to testosterone therapy, including HHS proposing loosening FDA restrictions and the FDA removing boxed warnings on testosterone products. The policy has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who question its consistency with Hegseth's stance on transgender service members and hormone therapy. The Pentagon has not clarified whether the screening applies to female troops or what consequences may follow for those who decline treatment.