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Soldiers 30 years and older in the U.S. military will be screened yearly for testosterone deficiency as part of their periodic health assessment, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced July 15 in a social media video.
Hegseth said it is about ensuring troops have “the right testosterone levels” for optimized performance, resilience and long-term health.
Service members under 30 can choose to be tested, and anyone deemed deficient can opt for testosterone replacement therapy.
According to Mayo Clinic, male hormone testosterone is important in the development and maintenance of typical masculine physical characteristics.
The health establishment said that the benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related testosterone decline are not clear, and can come with some side effects.
The announcement did not include when the screening will begin.
The Pentagon declined to provide additional information when asked whether female service members will be included in the annual hormone screenings.