US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo testing for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health screenings.
In a video posted on X, captioned "High-T Department", Hegseth said he was authorising the screening programme for troops to ensure "you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best".
Troops with low testosterone levels will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said: "All Active Duty and Reserve Component personnel aged 30 and older will undergo mandatory screening for testosterone deficiency during their Periodic Health Assessment."
Personnel younger than age 30 would also be able to request the screening voluntarily, Parnell added.
"We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this programme delivers on that obligation," Hegseth explained in Wednesday's 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.
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