The U.S. military will begin testing the testosterone levels of some service members and recommending hormone therapy if needed, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday. The new policy comes as part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to expand access to testosterone replacement therapies, as seen in a trending post on r/Health.
Why it matters: This initiative aims to improve the health and performance of military personnel, particularly those aged 30 and older, who may experience natural declines in testosterone levels.
The testing will be part of the periodic health assessment already required for service members aged 30 and older.
Troops younger than 30 can voluntarily request testosterone level screenings.
Hegseth emphasized that the initiative is about restoring natural capabilities, not artificial enhancement.
Driving the news: Hegseth announced the new program during a video on social media, branding it as the “High-T Department of War.” He stated that the goal is to help service members operate at their best.
“Under the supervision of our world-class medical professionals, war fighters age 30 and older are going to be tested annually,” Hegseth said.
He clarified that any recommended treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy, would be voluntary for the service members.
The initiative is framed as a commitment to maintaining the military's most decisive advantage: the individual warfighter.
State of play: The Defense Department has not disclosed whether there will be similar screenings for female service members or if estrogen therapy will be evaluated for women.
The Pentagon referred all inquiries about this issue back to Hegseth's statements, indicating no additional information was available.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized the initiative, calling for hormone testing to be made available for both men and women.
The big picture: Hegseth's announcement comes as part of a larger trend within the Trump administration to promote hormone replacement therapies.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also advocated for easing restrictions on testosterone therapy prescriptions.
Recent studies have indicated that testosterone replacement therapy does not significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, countering previous concerns.
What they're saying: Hegseth stressed the importance of ensuring service members remain healthy and capable long after their military careers.
“Taking care of your long-term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable - not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life,” he stated.
Dr. Mohit Khera, who previously led an FDA expert panel, stated that many young men have low testosterone levels, which could disadvantage them in combat situations.
By the numbers: Testosterone levels in men typically decline by about 1% each year after the age of 30 or 40.
Low testosterone can lead to various health issues, including reduced sex drive, mood changes, and muscle mass loss.
The TRAVERSE trial from 2023 found no increased risk of heart attacks or strokes associated with testosterone therapy.
Between the lines: Critics of the program link it to Hegseth's controversial views on gender and military service.
Senator Tammy Duckworth called the initiative reminiscent of gender-affirming care, urging for hormone testing to be available for women as well.
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan dismissed the program as Hegseth's “latest culture-war obsession.”
What's next: The program will commence with mandatory screenings for all active duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older.
It remains unclear how the program will evolve or whether there will be any repercussions for service members who decline recommended treatments.
The Pentagon's response to inquiries about extending the program to female service members is still awaited.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.