Pentagon Temporarily Rescinds Mandatory Testosterone Screening Guidance For Troops Aged 30 And Older

Pentagon reverses guidance

The Pentagon temporarily rescinded recently published clinical guidance for a new, mandatory testosterone deficiency screening policy for service members aged 30 and older, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday. Reuters said the Pentagon posted the "Clinical Guidance for Health and Human Performance Optimization" on Wednesday, but by Thursday the memo and an accompanying statement from spokesperson Sean Parnell had been removed. Reuters reported that "The draft (document) published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates," while interim guidance remained in effect.

The rescinded guidance had set out separate testosterone deficiency screening paths for men and women during annual health assessments, with men aged 30 and older screened through a questionnaire that could trigger a blood test and, if needed, testosterone hormone therapy. The Pentagon said the guidance was aimed at improving military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues, while a "PAGE NOT FOUND" banner appeared on websites for both the Pentagon and Defense Health Agency when clicking on the removed links.

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Hegseth’s push and the science

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the screening mandate in July, and Reuters said his promotion of testosterone raised questions among experts about whether there was a scientific basis for the policy.

Reuters reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to hold a meeting in mid-September of experts to discuss the medical use of testosterone.

The Hill quoted Hegseth’s July rationale that the effort would keep soldiers on the "leading edge of lethality," saying "While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter."

The Hill also cited Derek Griffith, director of the program for research on men’s health at the University of Pennsylvania, saying only 2 percent of the male population has low testosterone and that it does not "suggest that this is a major problem" in the U.S. military.

Reuters added that doctors have raised concerns that broad testosterone testing could lead to unnecessary or potentially harmful treatment, saying there is little evidence that universal screening for low testosterone would improve U.S. combat readiness.

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What remains at stake

While the detailed clinical guidance was removed, Reuters said interim guidance remained in effect and the Pentagon said the final clinical guidance would be issued "shortly." CBS News quoted the Defense Department saying "The 'Interim Guidance on Testosterone Deficiency Screenings for Active Duty and Reserve Component Personnel' remains in effect," and that the final clinical guidance would be issued shortly. CBS News reported that the Defense Health Agency released clinical guidelines for tests during service members' regular health assessments, with follow-up screenings and treatment including testosterone replacement therapy if needed for those diagnosed with hypogonadism.

Reuters said Wednesday’s guidance described testosterone use in women only for one diagnosis for which there is evidence of efficacy, such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, characterized by a distressing level of low sexual interest. Reuters also said the Pentagon’s guidance was set to take effect immediately, but the removed links and the rescission for updates left the timing of the final clinical guidance uncertain as the FDA meeting approaches in mid-September.

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