Trump Administration Mandates Testosterone Screening for Male Troops 30 and Older
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 24
Trump Administration Mandates Testosterone Screening for Male Troops 30 and Older
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 24
Summary
Pentagon guidelines issued in September require male service members age 30 and older to be screened for testosterone deficiency, starting with symptom and risk-factor checks and followed by testing or treatment when medically appropriate.
Adm. Brian Christine said the policy is meant to protect military readiness as low testosterone is linked to broader health problems and as the eligible recruiting pool keeps shrinking.
77% of Americans ages 17 to 24 need a waiver to serve, Christine said, with more than 70% of young men ineligible and only about 3% of young Americans interested in military service.
Christine said average U.S. male testosterone levels have fallen from above 650 in the mid-1970s to about 350 now, while NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said undiagnosed deficiencies and possible environmental causes need more research.
The administration is framing the screening as part of a wider readiness overhaul that has tightened fitness standards and is now preparing separate hormonal health guidance for female service members.