US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Mandates Testosterone Testing for Military Personnel Aged 30 and Above

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP and Reuters, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that all US military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory testosterone level testing as part of annual health checks. In a video posted on X on July 15, Hegseth said that the scientific community has confirmed testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and the testing is intended to restore and optimize natural function to ensure long-term health and combat readiness, not to artificially enhance physical performance. Hegseth stated that soldiers would decide whether to accept treatment if test results suggest it, and that those under 30 may also opt in. Hegseth used gender-neutral terms such as "warfighters" and "warriors" and did not clarify whether the testing and treatment options apply to women. The Pentagon responded that it had no further information beyond the secretary's video. The announcement comes as the US Department of Health and Human Services moves to ease restrictions on testosterone replacement therapy, having announced last month plans to remove limits on such therapy for men with age-related low testosterone. The move drew backlash from Democrats, who noted that Hegseth had ordered a ban on transgender military personnel, who often rely on hormone therapy.