War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military will begin annually screening service members aged 30 and older for testosterone deficiency as part of their routine health assessments, with treatment options available for those who need it.

Hegseth said the program aims to maintain troops’ physical and mental readiness by ensuring service members have “the right testosterone levels to operate at [their] absolute best.” 

Men’s testosterone levels naturally decline with age, often beginning in their 30s or 40s. Low testosterone levels may contribute to reduced muscle mass, fatigue, and other health issues that can affect physical performance, recovery, and overall readiness.

Hegseth said the screening will be included in the military’s periodic health assessment, while personnel under 30 may voluntarily request testing. If medical professionals determine a service member could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), the individual will decide whether to pursue treatment.

The High-T Department of War. pic.twitter.com/hlAUq3j2cD

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026

Hegseth emphasized that the initiative is intended to address medical needs rather than provide performance enhancement.

“This initiative — it’s not about artificial enhancement; it’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight,” Hegseth said.

The war secretary said the program reflects the Pentagon’s focus on improving the health and resilience of individual warfighters, whom he described as the military’s “most decisive tactical advantage.”

“While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual warfighter,” Hegseth said. “We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, which is why we must constantly look for new ways to optimize your performance, your resilience and your long-term health.”

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has pushed to expand access to testosterone replacement therapies. Administration health officials have also promoted hormone replacement therapies for women, following the FDA’s removal of black box warnings on certain menopause treatments last year.

The War Department did not immediately clarify whether similar hormone screenings would be offered for female service members or whether there would be consequences for troops who decline recommended testosterone treatment.