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July 15, 2026 / 4:50 PM EDT
/ CBS News
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday the Pentagon will require service members over the age of 30 to be screened for testosterone deficiency annually. If they are recommended for treatment, they may choose to receive testosterone replacement therapy. "I'm authorizing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best," Hegseth announced in a video on X titled "High-T Department." He said service members would be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessment. Those under 30 can voluntarily choose to be tested, as well. "We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation," Hegseth said in the video. "Taking care of your long-term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable — not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life, so you can thrive long after you take off the uniform." The Pentagon has not released additional guidance about the policy. The Defense Health Agency referred questions to the Pentagon. The definition of low testosterone varies, so its prevalence has a wide range, from 2% to 50% in different studies, according to the American Urological Association.Then-Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, citing a 2007 study, said during a 2025 panel on testosterone replacement therapy that 5.6% of men aged 30-79 have low testosterone and symptoms, like depression and decreased strength.
