US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, a new annual testosterone screening program for US service members aged 30 and over. The screening will be incorporated into the existing periodic health assessment, which is mandatory for service members 30 and older, while those under 30 may opt in.

Hegseth emphasized that the initiative is focused on "restoring and optimising your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight," clarifying that it is not about artificial enhancement. Any treatment resulting from the screening, including testosterone replacement therapy, will remain the individual's choice.

This program 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 testing protocols.

According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone levels in men naturally decline by roughly 1 percent per year after the age of 30 or 40.

The announcement has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Senator Tammy Duckworth remarked that the plan sounded "like gender-affirming care to me," while Representative Chrissy Houlahan stated it "proves that Secretary Hegseth takes direction from the far corners of the manosphere."

Sources