# U.S. Military to Screen for Low Testosterone. Why Experts Are Concerned
The U.S. military plans to screen service members for low testosterone, a move that has drawn caution from medical experts worried about unnecessary treatment and misdiagnosis.
The screening program reflects growing awareness of testosterone's role in soldier readiness and overall health. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, affects energy, mood, bone density, and muscle strength. These factors matter for military performance. However, experts raise valid concerns about how the military implements this screening.
The core issue: testosterone levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day and across the lifespan. A single test or even multiple tests may not capture the full picture. The Endocrine Society emphasizes that diagnosis requires specific clinical symptoms plus confirmed low hormone levels. Simply screening for low numbers without symptoms can lead to overtreatment.
Dr. Shalender Bhasin, an endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School, notes that testosterone replacement therapy carries real risks including blood clots, polycythemia (elevated red blood cells), and cardiovascular problems. Young, healthy service members may face these risks unnecessarily if screened and treated without careful symptom evaluation.
Another concern centers on military readiness standards. If low testosterone becomes grounds for medical discharge or duty restrictions, service members might face career consequences from a natural variation rather than a genuine health problem. This creates pressure for treatment even when watchful waiting makes more sense.
Experts also question whether the military has adequate training for doctors to distinguish between low testosterone caused by clinical hypogonadism versus temporary hormonal dips from stress, sleep deprivation, or injury. Military service members experience high physical and psychological stress that independently suppresses testosterone.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends screening only symptomatic men, not universal screening. Symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced lib