Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory testosterone screening for active duty and reserve personnel aged 30 and older, with voluntary screening for those under 30. Hegseth stated the initiative aims to "optimize performance, resilience, and long-term health," restoring and optimizing capabilities and longevity.

However, medical experts express significant concerns. The Endocrine Society noted "insufficient evidence to support a general recommendation to perform population-level screening for hypogonadism in asymptomatic men." Professor Bradley Anawalt, specializing in endocrinology, called the plan "a great big fat ‘Oh, no,’" fearing it turns "the clock back on rational healthcare" and could lead to "unnecessary evaluations, incorrect assessments, and incorrect prescriptions."

Causes of low testosterone are complex, ranging from genetic conditions and pituitary problems to factors like cancer treatments, medications, obesity, and aging. Symptoms can be vague and overlap with other issues. Experts emphasize the need for accurate testing, performed in the morning, and often recommend checking free testosterone levels, not just total testosterone. While testosterone replacement therapy can benefit those with a clear diagnosis of hypogonadism, Anawalt cautions against widespread screening and treatment for asymptomatic individuals.