Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing a controversial plan to screen troops for testosterone levels and offer hormone therapy, a move that medical experts are calling a "junk-science fever dream." Hegseth, a vocal advocate for a "manlier military," believes the U.S. Armed Forces have lowered combat standards and aims to restore a "warrior ethos" through such initiatives.
The proposed program, detailed in a video on Hegseth's X account, would involve annual testosterone screenings for service members aged 30 and older, with younger troops able to opt in. Hegseth claims the voluntary testosterone replacement therapy would boost "performance, resilience, and long-term health," framing it as "restoring and optimizing natural capabilities" rather than artificial enhancement.
However, endocrinologist Adrian Dobs of Johns Hopkins University expressed significant surprise and concern, telling WIRED that diagnosing male hypogonadism is complex. She highlighted that testosterone levels fluctuate based on testing methods, time of day, and individual stress levels, making Hegseth's plan an oversimplification. Dobs also disputed Hegseth's claims about testosterone improving intelligence or longevity, stating there's no data to support these assertions.
The Pentagon has declined to comment beyond Hegseth's statements, leaving questions about expected outcomes and whether women in the military will also undergo hormone assessments. Dobs warned of potential side effects from testosterone therapy, including testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and increased cardiovascular strain, noting that underlying medical conditions should be addressed first.
This initiative appears to align with Hegseth's broader agenda, which has included attempts to purge transgender service members, implement "male standard" fitness tests, and remove women and people of color from leadership roles. Recent policies, like ending permanent shaving medical waivers, disproportionately affect Black service members, raising concerns about discriminatory intent. Experts question the practical goals and measurable success of the testosterone directive, suggesting it may be driven by a masculinist ideology rather than sound science.
