The U.S. secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, on Wednesday, said soldiers who are 30 years old and older would be screened for ‘testosterone deficiency’.

Mr Hegseth, in a video posted on X, captioned ‘The High-T Department of War’, said the screening initiative for U.S. troops was designed to ensure that service members have the right testosterone levels to perform in their service roles.

“I’m authorising a new screening programme for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best,” he said.

Mr Hegseth explained that the screening would take place as part of the regular annual health assessment, adding that service members who are younger than 30 can choose to have their testosterone levels tested.

“Under the supervision of our world-class medical professionals, war fighters aged 30 and older are going to be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessment,” he said.

He said the annual screening was proof of the American investment in “the individual warfighter”, stressing that service members are the country’s “most decisive tactical advantage” and must be protected as a “sacred duty”.

Mr Hegseth did not comment on whether there would be estrogen screenings for female service members or any repercussions for male service members who declined the recommended testosterone screening.