Pentagon resumes paused testosterone policy amid medical experts’ concerns

Experts have called policy unnecessary and said testosterone injections could increase risks of infertility.Published On 18 Sep 202618 Sep 2026The United States military says it is moving forward with a policy of mandatory testosterone testing among US service members aged 30 and older, following an earlier pause and questions from medical experts.The Pentagon released new guidelines for the policy, championed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Pete Hegseth says US military to start testosterone screening for over 30slist 2 of 3The long-term implications of Pete Hegseth’s US military purgeslist 3 of 3Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon: A list of controversies that define his tenureend of listHegseth first announced the policy in July, stating that it was needed to identify potential “testosterone deficiency” and enable soldiers to operate at their “absolute best”.The move aligns with interest from online podcasters and health influencers who have touted testosterone injections as a means of becoming healthier and more muscular.A Pentagon release quotes Hegseth as saying the measure is about “restoring and optimising your natural capab...