The Pentagon is set to screen troops for low testosterone. Under a directive announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July 2026, servicemembers aged 30 and older will have their testosterone checked every year as part of their annual health assessment, and those under 30 can volunteer to be tested. If a provider recommends treatment, troops can choose whether to start testosterone-replacement therapy. This guide explains what was announced, who it affects, and what it means for you — and points you to the clinical details and a symptom self-check.
What the Pentagon Announced
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said servicemembers 30 and older would be tested for testosterone deficiency every year during their routine periodic health assessment (PHA). He framed the change as a readiness and performance measure, saying that addressing health markers early keeps troops on the "leading edge of lethality" — a line he delivered in a social-media clip branded the High-T Department of War.
Two things were left open. The Pentagon did not say which testosterone level would necessitate treatment, and it did not specify whether there would be separate standards for women. It declined to comment further when the policy was first reported.
Who Gets Tested, and How
The screening rules break down simply:
| Group | What applies |
|---|---|
| Servicemembers 30 and older | Tested annually during the periodic health assessment |
| Servicemembers under 30 | May volunteer to have levels checked |
| The test itself | A blood sample, typically drawn in the morning when testosterone peaks |
| Treatment | Optional testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) if a provider recommends it |
Because a single reading can be misleading, low results are normally confirmed with a second morning blood test on a different day before any treatment is considered.
What Testosterone Is — and Why the Military Cares
Both men and women produce testosterone. It supports muscle mass, bone strength, energy, and sexual function; in men, levels tend to decline gradually with age, which can reduce muscle mass and libido. The military's interest is framed around readiness: strength, endurance, recovery, and morale all touch on the same systems testosterone influences.
This page stays in its lane — what the policy means for people in uniform. For the underlying biology, the full symptom list, how levels change with age, and how treatment actually works, see the in-depth guide to low testosterone at The Metabolic Journal.
The TRT Opt-In
If your screening and symptoms point to a deficiency and a military provider recommends treatment, you decide whether to begin testosterone-replacement therapy. TRT is usually given as injections, gels, or pellets and requires ongoing monitoring. It is a genuine choice — you can decline, and you can ask about the trade-offs, including effects on fertility, before starting. If you are already serving and wondering whether being on TRT affects your career, deployability, or drug testing, see our guide to testosterone-replacement therapy in the military.
Does TRICARE Cover It?
Testing performed as part of your annual health assessment is delivered through the military health system at no out-of-pocket cost. When TRT is medically indicated and prescribed by an authorized provider, it is generally covered under TRICARE, though specifics can vary by plan and by the form of treatment. If you want the broader picture of your health coverage, see TRICARE options explained.
Not Sure If You Have Symptoms? Start Here
You do not have to wait for your annual assessment to raise a concern. If you have noticed low energy, reduced libido, weaker workouts, or mood changes, take our Low Testosterone Symptom Quiz — a 10-question screener that tells you whether your symptoms suggest a lower, borderline, or typical likelihood of low testosterone, and what to do next. It is a starting point for a conversation with a clinician, not a diagnosis.
Veterans: Low Testosterone and Your Benefits
If you have separated from service, low testosterone may be relevant to a VA disability claim — either directly or through related conditions such as erectile dysfunction, and sometimes as a condition secondary to service-connected problems or their treatment. See low testosterone and VA disability for how the VA approaches it.