WASHINGTON, Sept 3 (Reuters) – The Pentagon is temporarily rescinding recently published clinical guidance for a new, mandatory testosterone deficiency screening policy for service members aged 30 and older, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday.
By Thursday, the memo and an accompanying statement from spokesperson Sean Parnell had been removed. Wednesday’s guidance said that men aged 30 and older would be screened through a questionnaire that could then trigger a blood test for testosterone levels and, if needed, testosterone hormone therapy.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon posted the “Clinical Guidance for Health and Human Performance Optimization” on its website. “The draft (document) published on September 2, 2026, has been temporarily rescinded to allow for updates,” the official said, adding that interim guidance remains in effect. The guidance was set to take effect immediately, and the Pentagon said it is aimed at improving military readiness by identifying and managing hormonal and energy-availability issues. “Page Not Found” appeared on websites for both the Pentagon and Defense Health Agency when clicking on links for the memo and statement.
