Hegseth Orders Mandatory Testosterone Checks for Service Members 30 and Older

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday announced a new mandatory screening program to test all service members over age 30 for low testosterone levels, according to multiple outlets including The Hill and CBS 42. The screenings will be added to troops' periodic health assessments and will offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to those found deficient.

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The HillHegseth announces annual testosterone screenings for service membersCBS 42Hegseth announces annual testosterone screenings for service members

Hegseth framed the initiative as a readiness measure, saying it would keep troops on the "leading edge of lethality," as reported by The Hill and CBS 42. The New York Times noted that the program includes women as well, with mandatory testing for all troops over 30 regardless of sex.

"a new mandatory screening program to test all service members over the ..."

The announcement drew sharp criticism from some corners. Jezebel ran a headline questioning the secretary's own fitness, writing: "But Who’s Screening Him For Being a Dick?" The outlet reported that Hegseth wants to screen soldiers and offer treatment to anyone "who’s not T’ed up to their full potential."

JezebelPete Hegseth Wants to Screen the Military for Testosterone Levels—But Who’s Screening Him For Being a Dick?

Neither Hegseth nor the Department of Defense has specified a timeline for implementation, but officials said the screenings would become part of standard periodic health assessments for troops 30 and older, according to The Hill and CBS 42.