US military to start testosterone testing, Hegseth says

US military to start testosterone testing, Hegseth saysImage source, Getty ImagesBySareen HabeshianPublished44 minutes agoDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the US military will start testing testosterone levels of service members in an initiative aimed at "restoring and optimizing" their capabilities.In a video posted on X, captioned "High-T Department", Hegseth said he is authorising the screening program for troops to ensure "you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best".Those 30 and older will be screened annually, while those who are younger can request testing. Troops with low levels will be offered voluntary testosterone replacement therapy.It comes as others in the Trump administration have pushed for expanding access to such therapies."We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation," Hegseth said in the video. "Taking care of your long-term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable — not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life, so you can thrive long after you take off the uniform," he added.Taking testosterone for non-medical reasons, like artificial muscle enhancement without a doctor's prescription, is strictly prohibited in the military.Hegseth said in Wednesday's video that the new program is "not about artificial enhancement".Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement on Wednesday that the mandatory screening for testosterone deficiency will be effective immediately for all active duty and reserve component personnel aged 30 and older."The protocol will enable the Department to establish a comprehensive baseline and offer targeted testosterone therapy, ensuring that it sustains a healthy, capable, and decisively dominant fighting force," he said.Dr Mohit Khera, who led a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert panel...