▲ U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that it will conduct annual tests to measure testosterone levels for military personnel aged 30 and older.
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and other outlets, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the plan in a video posted on social media on July 15 (local time), stating, "Service members subject to the testing will undergo testosterone screening during their annual health evaluations."
He explained the rationale, saying, "This is to ensure adequate testosterone levels so that they can perform operations at peak capacity," adding, "It is widely known science that testosterone levels often drop naturally as one ages."
Under this policy, service members who test for low testosterone levels will be advised to seek treatment and must decide whether to undergo Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
TRT is a treatment that restores hormone levels to a normal range for those with low testosterone by supplementing the hormone through methods such as injections.
"We can address these health issues early to keep you (service members) on the lethal front lines," Secretary Hegseth said.
He did not disclose the specific testosterone threshold that would trigger a recommendation for treatment, nor did he specify whether there would be separate standards applied to female service members.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, both men and women produce testosterone.
Testosterone plays a role in supporting hair growth, height, and muscle development in men, and contributes to energy levels and bone strength in women.
In men, a decrease in testosterone levels due to aging can lead to a reduction in muscle mass and sexual function.
Secretary Hegseth, who is 46, stated that service members under the age of 30 may also volunteer to have their testosterone levels tested.
Medical personnel will conduct the tests by collecting blood samples from service members.
The announcement has drawn backlash from the Democratic Party.
Representative Summer Lee sarcastically remarked, "So, is the Department of Defense now supporting 'gender-affirming care'?"
This comment is interpreted as a jab at the Donald Trump administration's ongoing efforts to implement policies that restrict transgender individuals from serving in the military.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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