Pentagon Expands Hormone Screening Across US Military Effective Immediately

The Pentagon issued new clinical guidelines Wednesday implementing mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening for male active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older, along with separate hormone-related screenings for female service members.

The military said the initiative was being done to identify medical conditions that can impair strength, endurance and battlefield performance.

Under the policy, all active-duty and reserve service members 30 and older will be screened for testosterone deficiency during their annual Periodic Health Assessment. Screening is optional for those under 30.

The assessment asks males whether service members have experienced diminished physical or work performance, whether they have experienced “brain fog” or have trouble concentrating or experienced a reduced endurance or muscle mass and decreased sexual health or interest.

If a military member answers yes to any of the questions, he will go through a standardized diagnostic workup, according to the guidelines.

Female service members of all ages will be screened annually for hormonal dysregulation. Those reporting fatigue, musculoskeletal pain or menstrual changes may be evaluated for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports, a condition caused when food intake is insufficient to support the body after accounting for exercise and training demands.

Women 35 and older will also be screened for symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Depending on the severity of a woman’s condition, the guidelines allow modified training, restrictions on physical duties or placement on limited-duty status.

“By proactively identifying and treating suboptimal hormone levels, the Department continues to invest in the health of its warfighters, strengthen their performance, and maximize force readiness,” the Department of War stated in a news release. “The Department remains focused on building and maintaining a ready, lethal fighting force prepared to dominate the battlefield and achieve peace through strength.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the expanded screenings in a July 15 memo, describing hormone levels as an element of military readiness. The Defense Health Agency issued the 35-page implementing guidance on Sept. 2.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), an Air Force veteran, was skeptical in July of the screening.

“Secretary of Defense Hegseth wants Congress to send him another $60 billion. Now he’s announcing a new government-funded testosterone screening program for every service member over 30,” Houlahan said in post on X. “I’m sure the testosterone industry is thrilled. Taxpayers should ask who benefits from this latest culture-war obsession.”

The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting on Sept. 17 to examine testosterone use in menopausal women amid growing off-label use and questions about its long-term safety.