U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth [AP=Yonhap News File Photo. Redistribution and DB prohibited]

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on the 15th (local time) that it will conduct annual testosterone level screenings for service members aged 30 and older.

According to reports from outlets including The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the policy in a video posted on social media on the 15th, stating, "Service members subject to the test will have their testosterone levels checked during their annual health assessments."

Explaining the rationale, he stated, "This is to ensure that service members have adequate testosterone levels to perform at their peak operational capacity," adding, "It is widely accepted science that testosterone levels often drop naturally as one ages."

Under this policy, service members who test for low testosterone levels will be advised to seek treatment and will need to decide whether to undergo Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

TRT involves supplementing hormones via injections or other methods to restore hormone levels to a normal range for those with low testosterone.

Secretary Hegseth noted, "By addressing these health issues early, we can keep you (service members) in the fight and on the front lines, where you remain lethal."

He did not disclose the specific testosterone threshold required for treatment, nor did he specify whether there are separate standards applicable to female service members.

The Department of Defense declined to provide further comment on the matter.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, both men and women produce testosterone. In men, it supports hair growth, height, and muscle development, while in women, it supports energy levels and bone density. In men, a decrease in testosterone levels due to aging can lead to a decline in muscle mass and sexual function.

Secretary Hegseth, 46, mentioned that service members under 30 may also volunteer for testosterone testing. Medical personnel will conduct the screenings using blood samples from the service members.

The announcement has drawn immediate backlash from the Democratic Party.

Representative Summer Lee quipped, "So, does this mean the Department of Defense is now supporting 'gender-affirming care'?"

This is interpreted as a jab at the Donald Trump administration's ongoing efforts to implement policies restricting the service of transgender military personnel. [Yonhap News]