Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that troops will be tested annually for testosterone levels, a significant shift on a health issue that has gained momentum in recent years.

Under the new policy, service members age 30 and older will receive annual testosterone screenings as part of their routine health assessments. Testing will be optional for troops under 30.

Those diagnosed with a testosterone deficiency will have the option to undergo testosterone replacement therapy.

“As we age, testosterone levels often naturally drop,” Hegseth said in a video posted to X.

“As we know, the modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting. It requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness. And by addressing these health markers early, we’re keeping you on the leading edge of lethality and giving you the same level of support that you give this nation: the absolute best,” Hegseth said.

Low testosterone levels have been a concern in the military, particularly in the special operations community, where high stress, extreme physical labor, paired with not getting enough calories, could negatively impact testosterone levels — though research is still ongoing.

A very small percentage of men have a medical condition called Testosterone Deficiency. However, doctors are concerned that the online popularity of “low-T” as a medical problem creates a false impression that this is a bigger problem than it really is.

Some 2% of men may have it, according to the American Urological Association. Though the full scope of the issue is unclear, and there are different thresholds used to measure whether someone has a deficiency. Testosterone issues are most common among older men, and those with diabetes or obesity.

Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/hegseth-directs-troops-30-testosterone-checked/story?id=134793096