Testosterone Screening Is Preventive Medicine for the US Military | Opinion

The U.S. military’s planned testosterone screening is presented as preventive medicine aimed at maintaining readiness across the armed forces. In a July 15 directive, all Active Duty and Reserve personnel aged 30 and older will have testosterone measured once a year as part of the Periodic Health Assessment they already undergo, while personnel under 30 may request the test. If results return low and a military physician recommends treatment, the individual decides whether to accept it. The opinion piece links “low T” to broader medical and behavioral issues, citing conditions such as fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep, and notes that concerns predate the current Pentagon administration. It also argues the issue affects women as testosterone is produced by both sexes, and cites studies connecting traumatic brain injury to higher odds of hypogonadism. It further references FDA label updates requested in June 2026 and an FDA expert panel in December 2025, along with data from the TRAVERSE trial.