The Pentagon abruptly pulled new guidance outlining mandatory testosterone screenings for troops just one day after publishing it.
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The guidance, which was posted on the Pentagon’s website Wednesday, was removed by Thursday, a U.S. official told Reuters. It called for men and women ages 30 and older to undergo separate testosterone deficiency screenings during their annual health assessment.
“The draft (document) published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates,” the official told the outlet, adding that broader interim guidance remains in effect.
According to Reuters, a “Page Not Found” message appeared when visitors tried to access the guidance and an accompanying statement on the Pentagon and Defense Health Agency websites.
Under the plan, promoted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, men would answer a questionnaire that could lead to blood testing and testosterone therapy. Women would also complete a questionnaire and could receive treatment for hormonal imbalances.
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“Testosterone would be used in women only for one of the diagnoses for which there is evidence of efficacy, such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, characterized by a distressing level of low sexual interest,” Reuters reported Thursday.
Hegseth announced the screening mandate in July as a way to improve military readiness. But medical experts have openly questioned whether the policy has a solid scientific basis.
“Doctors have raised concerns that broad testosterone testing could lead to unnecessary or potentially harmful treatment, saying there is little evidence that universal screening for low testosterone among military personnel would improve U.S. combat readiness,” according to the report.
The Food and Drug Administration is set to host a panel of experts in mid-September to discuss the medical use of testosterone.
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