The Government of Donald Trump will implement a new program to measure testosterone levels in military personnel from the United States, in an initiative aimed at improving performance and readiness of the Armed Forces.
The announcement was made by the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who confirmed that he authorized the incorporation of specific tests to detect testosterone deficiency in soldiers over 30 years old.
As he explained, these studies will be added to the mandatory annual medical checks, while for military personnel under that age, the test will be optional.
"While we invest heavily in our weapon systems, platforms, and equipment, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual fighter. We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, so we must constantly seek new ways to optimize their performance, resilience, and long-term health," Hegseth stated in a video shared on X.
The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth
In that vein, the official emphasized the central objective of the measure: "Today I authorize a new testosterone deficiency detection program for our military, in order to ensure they have adequate testosterone levels to operate at their maximum capacity."
The program stipulates that, in the event of low hormone levels being detected, soldiers can access testosterone replacement treatments, although these will be completely voluntary.
Hegseth stressed that the initiative does not aim to artificially modify the performance of personnel, but to restore normal conditions.
"If treatment is recommended, testosterone replacement therapy is entirely optional. This initiative does not seek to artificially enhance performance, but to restore and optimize their natural abilities, protect their longevity, and ensure they have the biological foundation necessary for combat," he explained.
The Secretary of War insisted that the program's focus is linked to the overall health of military personnel and their response capability in the combat field.
In this regard, he reiterated that the goal is "to restore and optimize their natural abilities, protect their longevity" and ensure that soldiers have "the necessary biological foundation" for the fight.
President Donald Trump
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, and its deficiency can be associated with fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and bone density, as well as mood alterations, concentration problems, and increased propensity to depression and anxiety.
The measure is part of a series of initiatives promoted by Hegseth aimed at strengthening physical standards within the armed forces.
In this context, the official has raised the need to recover what he defined as the "highest male standard" in the Army, alongside the implementation of new physical requirements to avoid the presence of unfit soldiers.
Finally, Hegseth linked the policy to a long-term vision regarding the well-being of military personnel: caring for the health of American soldiers means "ensuring they remain strong, resilient, and capable, not only for their next deployment but for the rest of their lives, so they can thrive long after they take off their uniform."
