Pentagon temporarily rescinds new testosterone screening rules for men over 30

The Pentagon on Thursday temporarily rescinded its new guidance for testosterone screening for men over 30 in order to update the rules, a Pentagon official said.

The guidance was published Wednesday but War Secretary Pete Hegseth teased the changes in a social media video in July. The screenings, which look for testosterone deficiency, will be added to a fighter's annual health assessment and men under 30 can choose to be tested but are not required to.

The Pentagon official told The Hill that the guidance has been removed in order to update it and that a final version would be posted shortly. The website where the guidance was posted currently says it has been moved or taken down.

"The Department remains committed to addressing hormone deficiencies, protecting the long-term health of its Service members and enabling peak operational performance,” the official said. 

The guidance says male soldiers with a deficiency can undergo hormone therapy, but will not be forced to do so.

“It’s not about artificial enhancement,” he said. “It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”

The Pentagon did not state whether female soldiers would also be tested, but women will be asked questions about their menstrual cycles. 

It comes after the secretary rolled out a new set of standards for combat roles across the military last year that forces women to meet the same standards as men.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.