The Defense Department has temporarily rescinded guidelines it introduced a day ago for a new requirement that male service members ages 30 and older get screened for testosterone deficiency.
The guidelines are being updated, and the final clinical guidance will be issued shortly, the Pentagon said.
“The Department remains committed to addressing hormone deficiencies, protecting the long-term health of its Service members, and enabling peak operational performance,” the Defense Department said. “The ‘Interim Guidance on Testosterone Deficiency Screenings for Active Duty and Reserve Component Personnel’ remains in effect. The final clinical guidance will be issued shortly.”
Hegseth had called for the change earlier this summer. The Defense Health Agency released a set of clinical guidelines for the tests, which will take place during service members’ regular health assessments.
The guidelines had called for screenings and blood tests for active-duty troops and reservists ages 30 and over. Service members who are diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, will get follow-up screenings and treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy, if needed.
Hegseth said in July that if treatment is recommended for service members, “it’s entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy.”
Male service members under the age of 30 will be offered optional annual screenings.