Study suggests Army testosterone checks could flag one in four personnel
A new study estimates that mandatory testosterone screening could give about 26 per cent of active-duty Army personnel a result below the Pentagon’s low-testosterone threshold, despite clinically significant testosterone deficiency being much rarer. The findings strengthen concerns that the screening policy announced by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could prompt unnecessary follow-up tests and treatment, with possible harms including infertility.
Researchers analysed morning blood samples from 479 male service members at five Army installations, collected between August 2024 and January 2026. At the lower threshold used by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 15 per cent would receive a low result; low readings were more common among older and heavier men. Medical groups advise against blanket screening because testosterone levels vary for many reasons and recommend symptom-led assessment with repeat tests.
- Army-wide screening could flag about 26 per cent as low.
- At the CDC threshold, the estimate falls to 15 per cent.
- Medical groups advise against blanket screening.
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Testosterone is a hormone involved in functions including sex drive, muscle and bone health, and sperm production. Levels can vary with age, weight, illness, sleep and the time of day, so a single low reading does not necessarily mean a person has a medical deficiency.
The Pentagon sets health rules for US military personnel, while the US Army provides medical care to its serving members. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, announced a policy requiring Army personnel to be checked for low testosterone. Medical groups generally advise assessing symptoms and confirming low readings with further tests, rather than screening everyone.
A confirmed deficiency may be treated with testosterone, but treatment can reduce sperm production and affect fertility. The issue matters because a broad screening programme could identify many people with low readings who may not have a clinically significant deficiency.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that routine checks may identify some service members with genuinely low testosterone who might otherwise go undiagnosed, allowing them to receive further assessment and appropriate care. A consistent screening policy could also give commanders and clinicians a clearer picture of personnel health, provided a low reading is treated as a prompt for careful follow-up rather than a diagnosis.
The case against
Critics argue that testosterone varies with factors such as age, weight and the timing of a test, so blanket screening could label many healthy personnel as deficient and lead to avoidable testing or treatment. Given the potential harms, including infertility, they favour assessing symptoms and confirming low readings before considering treatment rather than screening everyone.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “Hegseth’s dubious low-T screening may flag up to 25 percent of the Army”.