Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona and former Navy captain, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new initiative to incorporate testosterone testing into regular medical checkups for members of the Armed Forces. During an interview on MS NOW's The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Kelly stated that the Army's problem is not related to the hormone levels of its members, but rather to the way decisions are made within the Pentagon. "The US military does not need more testosterone; he needs better leadership,” declared the legislator. Kelly even asked President Donald Trump to remove Hegseth from office, considering that some of his decisions could affect military service members.

The Pentagon proposal includes tests for soldiers over 30 years of age

The initiative promoted by Hegseth establishes that members of the Armed Forces over 30 years of age be evaluated to know their testosterone levels as part of their medical check-ups. The Secretary of Defense explained that those who present low levels may choose to receive testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), a treatment used to address hormonal deficiencies when there is a medical indication.

Hegseth assured that the measure seeks to offer medical support to soldiers and maintain their physical capabilities during their service. “This initiative is not about artificial enhancements; it is about restoring and optimizing their natural capabilities, protecting their longevity and ensuring they have the biological foundation necessary to continue fighting,” he said.

Democratic senators question lack of scientific support

The proposal also raised concerns among several Democratic lawmakers, who sent a letter to Hegseth to express doubts about the widespread application of these tests. Among the senators who signed the document are Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut; Mazie Hirono, of Hawaii; Gary Peters of Michigan; Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts; and Ruben Gallego, from Arizona.

The congressmen pointed out that the Department of Defense has not presented studies that show that evaluating testosterone levels in all military members over 30 years of age improves the readiness of troops. They also asked for explanations about the costs and possible side effects associated with implementing the program.

Experts warn about possible effects of hormonal treatment

Although testosterone replacement therapy can be useful for people with a proven deficiency of the hormone, medical specialists have warned that its use without proper evaluation could pose risks. Among the possible effects noted are cardiovascular problems and a reduction in sperm count, which could affect the fertility of some members of the Armed Forces.

Experts have also warned about the possibility of overdiagnosis if a hormone test becomes a routine procedure for a broad population.

The debate pits military health, science and politics

For Hegseth, the measure represents a way to provide better medical tools to the military and does not imply forcing any member of the Armed Forces to receive treatment. The Secretary of Defense maintained that therapy will depend on the individual decision of each member when the results indicate low levels of testosterone. However, Kelly and other Democrats believe the Pentagon must first demonstrate that the policy has real benefits before implementing it on a large scale.