Pentagon Rolls Out Testosterone Screening for Troops, Stirring Health Debate

The DoD announced annual testosterone screening for service members over 30 to optimize fitness, with younger personnel allowed to opt in; experts warn the policy could lead to misdiagnoses, overprescribing, and health risks from testosterone therapy, since evidence that higher T improves performance in under-50s is weak and sleep or training factors can skew results. The program relies on a health questionnaire rather than a full exam, and critics argue it overlooks women’s hormonal health while prioritizing “high T” goals over fundamentals like sleep, nutrition, and training.