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Pete Hegseth orders testosterone screening for military over 30

journalismJul 20, 2026321,737

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ordered annual testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members age 30 and older, adding the test to the periodic health assessment while allowing service members under 30 to opt in voluntarily. The Pentagon referred questions about the plan to chief spokesman Sean Parnell, who provided the statement about adding the screening. Multiple medical experts told Reuters and other outlets that there is no solid evidence mandatory population-level testosterone screening would improve military readiness, with four of six experts contacted by Reuters expressing skepticism. Endocrinologists and urologists warned that routine testosterone supplementation can reduce testicular size and sperm counts and carries risks including blood thickening, prostate issues, acne, hair changes, and mood volatility, concerns cited by doctors such as McVary. Lawmakers including Rep. Yassamin Ansari have demanded answers about the policy’s intent and how test data will be used, with some critics calling for oversight or stronger action. The Pentagon’s move has prompted calls for more explanation from Congress and scrutiny from medical societies about whether screening will lead to unnecessary treatment or harms to service members’ fertility and health.

James Neal - will know what will happen when it does.
@jameswneal.bsky.social

Hegseth kips. Any woman in the Marines will tell you that's forbidden. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...

Top: Proper pull-up form, as demonstrated by a Marine Corps officer. Bottom: Secretary Hegseth’s form is inconsistent. In one clip from the “Pete & Bobby Challenge,” he does a chin-up and raises his knees to give himself additional oomph—a technique known as “kipping” that is forbidden by the Marines.
3309h ago
Liz Szabo
@lizszabo.bsky.social

Beware the consequences of testosterone screening for military servicemembers. The American Urological Association and the Endocrine Society caution against testosterone usage in men who plan to have children due to the impact on fertility. www.statnews.com/2026/07/18/m... via @statnews.com

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