Pentagon rolls out guidelines to test service members for testosterone

September 2, 2026 / 7:40 PM EDT / CBS News

The Pentagon will begin requiring male service members ages 30 and older to get screened for testosterone deficiency, the military announced Wednesday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for the change over the summer.

The Defense Health Agency released a set of clinical guidelines for the tests, which will take place during service members' regular health assessments.

It calls for screenings and blood tests for active-duty troops and reservists ages 30 and over. Service members who are diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, will get follow-up screenings and treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy, if needed.

Hegseth said in July that if treatment is recommended for service members, "it's entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy."

Male service members under the age of 30 will be offered optional annual screenings.

The guidelines call for female service members to be asked if they have any symptoms of hormonal dysregulation and referred for further assessment if needed.

In a statement, the Defense Department said its goal is to "invest in the health of its warfighters, strengthen their performance, and maximize force readiness."

The testing push comes two and a half months after…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/