On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video on X titled, I kid you not, “The High-T Department of War.” The former Fox News host announced that the government will be implementing an annual screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops over the age of 30. Those under the age of 30 can voluntarily choose to be tested as well.
“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 insisted. For those who are recommended for the treatment, they may choose to receive testosterone replacement therapy.
While Hegseth referred to all service members, or “elite warriors,” in his video, there are no F.D.A.-approved testosterone treatments for women. Screening for estrogen-based therapy among female service members — which could be helpful for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause, for example — was not mentioned in Hegseth’s poorly lit clip.
When asked what scientific research and studies supported the blanket policy move, the Pentagon referred to a statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnel, which echoed much of Hegseth’s announcement. Parnel said the annual screening for testosterone deficiency would be effective immediately and “complements the efforts outlined in the ‘Warfighter Performance Optimization – Total Force Fitness’ memorandum.”
As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline and can contribute to a drop in libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and bone strength, decreased energy, disturbed sleep, and low mood. While obesity and diabetes are often linked to clinically low testosterone levels, a host of other factors can also play a factor, including physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, chronic stress, poor sleep, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals or other environmental stressors.
Lifestyle-based strategies such as weight loss, dietary changes, and stress management are generally recommended by professionsal as first-line treatments. Currently, FDA-approved testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products are only for men with clinically confirmed hypogonadism, a medical condition that causes severely low testosterone.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump administration officials are pushing for policies that will make it easier for doctors to prescribe testosterone. In June, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed removing restrictions on TRT, revising warnings about prostate cancer risk, and updating safety information.
Kennedy has called declining testosterone levels worldwide over recent decades an “existential” crisis to humanity and has touted TRT as an “anti-aging protocol.” According to The New York Times, many influencers in the so-called manosphere amplify the message that being “low T” is synonymous with low status, weakness, and sexual inadequacy. (Unsurprisingly, many influencers often profit off online links to TRT clinics.)
Meanwhile, as the Trump administration is intent on getting testosterone replacement therapy to troops, Hegseth has previously declared he does not believe women should serve in combat roles and that all combat roles will be based on the “highest male standard.”
Hegseth has also blocked the promotions of seven senior Navy officers, five of whom are women or people of color, to two-star admiral rank — which would mark the first time in more than a decade that no female active-duty naval officers are likely to be promoted to admiral this year.