Doctor reacts to Hegseth’s plan to test troops’ testosterone

0 July 16, 2026 09:21

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that he is rolling out a new screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops, calling it necessary to allow them to operate at their “absolute best.”

The screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members’ required medical screenings for those 30 and older, he said. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. In a video on social media, Hegseth said receiving testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary.

0:00 Hegseth: Testosterone testing to boost readiness among troops
0:22 Video of Hegseth’s announcement
0:46 Dr. Jonathan Reiner explains low testosterone
2:25 Dr. Reiner on the risks of testosterone supplements
4:16 Dr. Reiner: “This is the second time this year that Hegseth has announced a medical initiative that makes no sense.”
4:43 Audie Cornish’s “CNN This Morning” group chat

Channel: CNN