A new study published Thursday in JAMA warns that as many as 25 percent of active‑duty soldiers might receive a low‑testosterone result from a compulsory screening, even though the actual rate of the condition is believed to be far lower.
The data raise fresh worries that the mandatory testing announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July could trigger a wave of unnecessary medical follow‑ups for service members. Critics say these follow‑ups may lead to inappropriate testing, inaccurate diagnoses and overtreatment that could cause harm, such as infertility.
Both the Endocrine Society and the American Urological Association have advised against blanket screening for low testosterone for precisely these reasons. Nevertheless, the Pentagon proceeded with the plan and issued clinical guidance on the program in September.
The JAMA analysis explains why testosterone levels are typically not measured in men who show no symptoms, and it provides an estimate of how many Army members could become caught up in a screening process that many experts consider clinically questionable.