Pete Hegseth says US military to start testosterone screening for over 30s

What Happened

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new annual testosterone screening program for service members aged 30 and over, to be added to the mandatory periodic health assessment. Those under 30 may opt in. According to Hegseth, any resulting treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy, would be voluntary. He cast the initiative as 'restoring and optimising your natural capabilities' and maintaining the 'individual warfighter' edge. The announcement follows a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the defense secretary to brief Congress on available treatments for low testosterone and existing screening protocols. Democratic lawmakers criticized the move: Senator Tammy Duckworth called it 'gender-affirming care,' and Representative Chrissy Houlahan said it 'proves that Secretary Hegseth takes direction from the far corners of the manosphere,' with both calling for hormone screening to be extended to women in uniform.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The directive formalizes the Pentagon's focus on biological markers of fitness under Secretary Hegseth, aligning with his broader 'warrior ethos' reforms. It injects the military into polarized domestic debates over gender, health, and readiness, potentially affecting recruitment, retention, and how the US force posture is perceived by allies and adversaries. The program's implementation could also interact with existing policies on transgender service members.

Watch For

Congressional oversight and potential legislative pushback, especially from the Armed Services Committees. The Department of Defense's briefing to Congress on low testosterone treatments required by the FY2025 NDAA. Whether the program is expanded to include women or other age groups, and any data on enrollment and treatment uptake.