US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new health plan this week. All male US troops aged 30 and older must have regular blood tests for low testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone in the body. Men with low levels may feel tired, lose muscle, or have less interest in sex. They may choose to take testosterone medicine. The US military has about 1.3 million active troops. In 2024, more than 375,000 active male troops were over 30.

Doctors warn that one blood test is not enough to show a health problem. A man should have both a low test result and clear symptoms before he takes the medicine. Dr James Anaissie said the medicine can lower sperm levels and make it harder to have children. It can also make the testicles smaller. Other risks include blood clots, heart problems, and breast growth. Dr Joseph Alukal said some healthy men may get medicine that they do not need.

Men often need injections once or twice a week. Doctors must check them often because their testosterone can become too high or too low. This may be hard for troops in another country or in a war area. If treatment suddenly stops, a man may feel very tired and unwell. The Pentagon has not yet explained how it will test and care for so many troops. Doctors want the military to test carefully and give medicine only to men who truly need it.