Konstantin Toropin

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced a new program to screen troops aged 30 and above for testosterone deficiency during annual medical evaluations, with voluntary testing available for younger service members. The initiative follows growing interest within the Trump administration in expanding access to testosterone therapies. The Pentagon did not specify targeted medical conditions and emphasized voluntary treatment. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of hormone use among special operations units and broader debates over testosterone therapy, its safety, and appropriate medical use. Recent FDA actions and NIH studies have supported limited benefits for certain conditions, though guidelines still advise against widespread testing due to diagnostic challenges.