Pentagon to screen troops over 30 for hormonal deficiencies, specifically low testosterone levels

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing that military personnel aged 30 and older will be subject to testosterone deficiency testing as a standard component of their annual health screenings.

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This decision is grounded in the scientific understanding that testosterone levels tend to decrease naturally with age, as Hegseth explained in a video posted on X, accompanied by the text "The High-T Department of War".

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In the video, Hegseth emphasized that the initiative is focused on restoring and optimizing natural capabilities, rather than artificial enhancement, with the goal of protecting longevity and ensuring that personnel have the necessary biological foundation to sustain their duties, stating "it's about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight".

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Ultimately, it will be at the discretion of individual troops to decide whether to undergo treatment if it is recommended, with Hegseth also noting that personnel under the age of 30 may choose to be tested if they wish to do so.

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During his remarks, the Pentagon chief employed gender-neutral terminology, referring to military personnel as "warfighters" and "warriors", without specifying whether the new testing requirement and treatment option applies to women, who also experience declining testosterone levels with age, as well as men.

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When asked for further clarification, the Pentagon responded by stating that they had no additional information to provide beyond the secretary's video at that time, saying "We have nothing to provide beyond the secretary’s video at this time".