“What began as a treatment for a relatively small group of men with clinically diagnosed hormone deficiencies is increasingly being discussed as a marker of peak performance.”
– NEWSWEEK, July 26, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on social media this past month that a mandatory measurement of blood testosterone would be added to the required annual physical assessment of all active-duty and reserve troops over 30 years old (including 230,000 female soldiers). Any testosterone level less than 300 ng/dL would be considered “low” and testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) will be offered to the soldier. The soldier may choose to receive testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or not. TRT usually consists of monthly injections of the hormone.
“This initiative, it’s not about artificial enhancement,” Hegseth said. “It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight. . . . The modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting,” he continued, “It requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness, and by addressing these health markers early, we’re keeping you on the leading edge of lethality.”
What is the science about testosterone?
Testosterone levels in healthy men naturally decrease 1% per year after age 40.
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- Testosterone normal levels range from 300-1000 ng/dL after age 30.
- Normal levels range from 215-878 ng/dL after age 50.
- Low testosterone symptoms include loss of muscle mass, poor sleep, irritability, reduced stamina when exercising, and weight gain.
- Testosterone levels normally fluctuate widely due to age, stress, exercise, diet, and presence of other medical diagnoses.
- The FDA approves of TRT only for patients who have symptoms (eg. PTSD, depression, suicidal, or sleep disorders) AND have two low measurements taken two weeks apart, and are actually diagnosed with hypogonadism or, in the case of special forces (SEALS, Rangers, etc.) , have the diagnosis of “Operator’s Syndrome.” Spotting a low “T” to prevent PTSD with TRT is not proven.
- Presumed benefits of TRT are: more energy, increased muscle mass and strength,, faster decision-making, more aggressive thoughts, and “restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities” (Hegseth).
- Risks of TRT include: worsening sleep apnea, worsening acne, increased BPH (benign prostate hypertrophy), decreased sperm production, and increased red blood cell production (increased risk of clots and pulmonary embolism).“Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone, there’s little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function somewhat in some men, but there’s little evidence that it improves other functions, such as vitality and energy. . . Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don’t have a medical condition that’s contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone, such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise.” (Mayo Clinic)
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Monthly injections of testosterone may actually cause the body to decrease the natural production of testosterone, so that TRT may not raise “T” level as much as expected. “Artificial testosterone can shut down the body’s own production and can result in infertility, blood clots, high blood pressure, and, over time, shrinking testicles”, said Dr. Brahmblhan, urologist.
Fred Kaplan, MIT Phd. and national security columnist for Slate Magazine, wrote, “Does the Pentagon chief even know how wars are fought today? Drone operators, AI experts, missile and aircraft operators, and battlefield intelligence coordinators require brainpower, not an ‘ability to drop and give Hegseth 100 push-ups’.”
It is particularly surprising to this writer that such a publicly loud critic of gender-affirming treatment (like Hegseth) is pushing a gender-affirming medication like testosterone for any soldier over 30 years old because of a single blood test!
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