Overview
- The Defense Health Agency issued the clinical guideline on Thursday, September 17, making screening for testosterone deficiency mandatory for male service members aged 30 and older and available on request for younger men.
- Screening starts with a structured symptom and risk-factor check and requires two separate morning fasting blood tests plus compatible symptoms before a diagnosis is made.
- Treatment is voluntary and medical staff must warn patients that testosterone therapy can lower sperm production and carries storage, prescription and continuity limits for deployed troops.
- An earlier Sept. 2 draft that included female hormone provisions was removed and the new guidance omits women for now while a separate female guideline is under review.
- Major medical groups have questioned population-level screening and external reviews, including an FDA expert input, are expected as lawmakers and clinicians press for more evidence and operational plans.