The Pentagon is reinstating mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening for U.S. service members age 30 and older, with the new clinical guidance taking effect immediately. The program was originally ordered by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in July as part of an effort to address hormone deficiencies and improve military readiness.

The Defense Health Agency's new guidance establishes standardized screening and treatment procedures for male service members. Troops under 30 may request screening under the broader policy.

The Pentagon had temporarily withdrawn its previously published guidance in early September, saying it needed to be updated. The department has not detailed what changes were made before the new guidance was issued Thursday.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the program in July, saying the department wanted to establish a baseline for testosterone deficiency and provide targeted treatment when medically appropriate. The original policy applied to active-duty and reserve personnel during their periodic health assessments.

The policy has drawn questions from medical professionals, some of whom have warned that unnecessary testosterone treatment can carry health risks, including infertility. The American Urological Association and Endocrine Society have not endorsed routine low-testosterone screening of the general population.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the latest guidance “addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways” across the military health system.