US Military Mandates Annual Testosterone Tests For Troops Over 30

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered mandatory annual testosterone tests for active-duty troops aged 30 and above. The screening will become a routine part of annual medical evaluations. The Pentagon aims to identify hormone deficiencies that could affect combat readiness. Service members diagnosed with low testosterone can choose to undergo voluntary testosterone replacement therapy. Troops under the age of 30 may also request testing if they wish. Hegseth stated the policy ensures that troops remain physically and mentally prepared for modern battlefield demands.

This move follows recent efforts by the Trump administration to make hormone therapy more widely available. Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to ease restrictions on testosterone treatments. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supported this change to improve health and vitality. However, Democratic lawmakers heavily criticized the new military mandate. They highlighted the Pentagon's policy banning transgender service members who rely on hormone therapy. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congresswoman Summer Lee called the new screening program a form of gender-affirming care. They also urged the military to extend hormone screening to female troops.

Many medical experts urge caution regarding routine screening. Major medical guidelines do not recommend testosterone tests for all men. Instead, doctors usually reserve therapy for patients with persistent symptoms and documented deficiencies. While this policy directly impacts US forces, it highlights evolving global standards in military healthcare. The Indian Armed Forces continuously review international defense medical protocols to update their own standards. Additionally, changes in US troop readiness affect joint exercises and strategic cooperation with India in the Indo-Pacific. Defense analysts will closely watch the physical and psychological outcomes of this hormone program.