Pentagon abruptly withdraws testosterone guidance for ‘High T’ military program

The Pentagon withdrew clinical guidance implementing its mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve male service members.A Department of War spokesperson confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the Pentagon is rescinding a clinical guidance document for military physicians executing the program, less than 24 hours after it was issued.The guidance, issued by the Defense Health Agency, was a culminating point in the military preparedness program announced by War Secretary Pete Hegseth in July, which would provide testosterone replacement therapy to service members suffering from hypogonadism, or low testosterone. The War Department spokesperson said on Thursday the clinical guidance was “temporarily rescinded to allow for updates” and the finalized guidance “will be issued shortly.”“The Department remains committed to addressing hormone deficiencies, protecting the long-term health of its Service members, and enabling peak operational performance,” the spokesperson said. Notably, the clinical guidance, reviewed by the Washington Examiner before it was taken offline on Thursday morning, included recommendations for screening female servicemembers for hormonal imbalances related to menopause and perimenopause that could affect physical performance.The Pentagon spokesperson did not comment on whether the updates to the clinical guidance would affect treatment options for male or female servicemembers.Roughly a quarter of men in the United States, about 33 million, meet the standards for testosterone deficiency, or what is sometimes referred to as ‘low-T,’ according to the American Urological Association.Hegseth announced the new testing program via a video on X, touting it as the creation of a “High-T Department of War.” The testing protocol, as outlined in July, would require testosterone testing for all male servicemembers above age 30 and make it voluntary for younger service members.DAN DRISCOLL PRAISES HEGSETH IN FAREWELL MESSAGE DESPITE FRICTION: ‘HONOR OF A LIFETIME’Critics have expressed concern that the initiative would artificially enhance service members’ capabilities, similar to how supplemental testosterone is used in sports competitions, and could harm fertility if not properly monitored. But supporters of the new testing protocol contend testosterone screening and supplementation will counteract the negative health effects of intense physical stress on active duty service members that comes from low testosterone, including poor sleep, mental health problems, and decreased muscle mass.“It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight,” Hegseth said in July.Defense reporter Mike Brest contributed to this report.