Hegseth announces U.S. will begin screening members of military for low testosterone levels

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the Pentagon will be begin screening members of the military older than 30 for signs of testosterone deficiency, and those whose levels are low will be allowed to seek treatment for it. 

"It's well-established science that, as we age, testosterone levels naturally drop," Hegseth said in a video titled "The High-T Department of War" announcing the plan, which he posted on X. "Under the supervision of our world-class medical professionals, war fighters age 30 and older are going to be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessments." Hegseth said soldiers under 30 will be allowed to voluntarily be tested as well. 

"If treatment is recommended, it's entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy," Hegseth said, adding that the new screening and treatment process "is not about artificial enhancement," but is focused on restoring and optimizing soldiers' "natural capabilities." Hegseth pegged the possible treatments to enhancing the longevity of soldiers after they retire from military service as well. 

According to The Associated Press, Hegseth's new plan is part of a broader strategy by RFK Jr to make it easier for Americans to obtain prescriptions for testosterone treatments, like gels, pills, patches and injections, which the Health and Human Services department proposed easing restrictions on last month.

Both Hegseth and RFK Jr have placed a renewed focus on physical fitness, not just for members of the military but for all Americans, since they assumed their roles in the Trump administration. Videos of Hegseth bench-pressing and RFK Jr doing pullups have been hits on social media over the last year or so.

Watch Hegseth's full announcement below.