US military to start screening for testosterone deficiency, Hegseth says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US military will implement mandatory testosterone deficiency screenings for personnel aged 30 and older. The program aims to maintain physical readiness and offers voluntary hormone replacement therapy for those who qualify.
Why it matters
This policy change represents a significant shift in military health standards and has sparked debate regarding the focus on hormonal health within the armed forces.
Image source, Getty Images By Sareen Habeshian Published 15 July 2026 Updated 1 hour ago Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo testing for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health screenings.
The article reports on the policy announcement and includes official statements, maintaining a neutral tone despite the controversial nature of the topic.
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