United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Europe
New Zealand
Canada
The Defense Health Agency has issued immediate clinical guidance standardizing screening and treatment for male testosterone deficiency across the military health system, following a July 15, 2026, directive by the Secretary of War that expanded hormone screening to bolster force readiness.
The July memorandum, titled “Health and Human Performance Optimization to Enhance Military Readiness,” directed mandatory testosterone deficiency screenings for all Service members aged 30 and older during their Periodic Health Assessments, with optional screenings available for warfighters under the age of 30.
On September 17, 2026, the DHA released comprehensive guidance to the Military Departments and medical care providers that establishes uniform screening and treatment pathways for male testosterone deficiency across the DHA enterprise and assigns responsibility for compliance. The guidance is effective immediately.
Framed as part of a broader effort to build and maintain a ready, lethal force capable of achieving peace through strength, the initiative is intended to proactively identify and treat suboptimal hormone levels to strengthen performance and maximize readiness.
The “Clinical Practice Guideline: Testosterone Deficiency in the Male Service Member” memorandum is available at https://www.dha.mil/HHPO. The “Health and Human Performance Optimization to Enhance Military Readiness” memorandum is available at https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jul/15/2003961654/-1/-1/1/HEALTH%20AND%20HUMAN%20PERFORMANCE%20OPTIMIZATION%20TO%20ENHANCE%20MILITARY%20READINESS%20OSD004430-26%20RES%20FINAL.PDF. The “Warfighter Performance Optimization – Total Force Fitness” memorandum is available at https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jul/15/2003961653/-1/-1/1/WARFIGHTER%20PERFORMANCE%20OPTIMIZATION%20-%20TOTAL%20FORCE%20FITNESS%20OSD014355-25%20RES%20FINAL.PDF. Additional DHA clinical guidance can be found at https://www.dha.mil/HHPO.
