Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. military to conduct annual testosterone screenings for service members over the age of 30, with hormone replacement therapy made available to those diagnosed with low testosterone levels. The policy was announced on July 15–16, 2026, and applies across the branches of the armed forces.

Under the new directive, routine blood tests will be added to the annual physical examination process for eligible service members. Those found to have clinically low testosterone levels will be offered hormone replacement therapy as part of their military healthcare benefits. Pentagon officials framed the measure as an effort to maintain the physical readiness and overall health of the force.

Hegseth has publicly championed the initiative as a means of optimizing military performance and addressing what he has described as an underdiagnosed health issue among male service members. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can contribute to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and decreased cognitive function, all of which can affect combat readiness.

The announcement comes as Hegseth has pursued a series of policy changes at the Pentagon aimed at reshaping military culture and readiness standards. The testosterone screening program is among the more unconventional measures introduced under his tenure as Defense Secretary. Implementation details, including cost estimates and the timeline for rollout, had not been fully disclosed at the time of the announcement.