Pentagon Issues, Then Rescinds Testosterone-Screening Guidance for Service Members

The Defense Department published detailed clinical guidance for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “High-T” testosterone-deficiency screening program on a Wednesday. By the following Thursday, the same document and its accompanying statement had been removed from the Pentagon website. No timeline has been provided for a replacement document.

The Advocate

On July 15, Secretary Hegseth announced the initiative in a video titled “The High-T Department of War,” ordering mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members age 30 and older.

CBS News

• Men 30 and older: Mandatory blood tests for testosterone levels.

The Hill

• Men under 30: Testing optional if a clinician deems it necessary or the service member requests it.

CBS News

• Women: Annual screening for menstrual disruption, fatigue, or other signs of hormonal dysregulation; clinicians may evaluate those 35 and older for perimenopause or menopause when symptoms affect duties. Testosterone treatment for women is limited to post-menopausal cases with markedly low sexual desire, would be off-label, closely monitored, and discontinued after six months without benefit.

The Advocate

• The guidance, signed by Defense Health Agency Director Vice Adm. Darin Via, was intended to take effect immediately and remain in force for one year unless reissued or canceled.

The Advocate

• Prevalence of low testosterone in the general male population: roughly 2 percent (per Griffith).

The Hill

• Women would receive annual symptom-based screening; testosterone therapy for women would be considered only in narrow, off-label cases for post-menopausal low sexual desire.

The Advocate

• The guidance acknowledges that existing evidence does not demonstrate improvements in women’s psychological well-being, cognition, cardiovascular health, bone density, or muscle performance from testosterone treatment.

The Advocate

The Pentagon indicated that a revised set of clinical guidelines will be issued “shortly,” while the interim guidance on testosterone-deficiency screenings remains active.

The Hill

• “We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation,” — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

The Advocate

• “When someone has a real, clinically diagnosed testosterone deficiency, treatment can be meaningful,” — Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, chief medical officer, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center

The Advocate

• “While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter,” — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

The Hill