Medically reviewed by Adam Russell, PA-C
In September 2026, the Defense Health Agency released clinical guidance implementing a new testosterone-deficiency screening policy for male service members. The policy has generated headlines, questions, and some confusion about whether every service member will receive a testosterone blood test and whether the military is broadly encouraging testosterone replacement therapy.
The reality is more specific. According to the Defense Health Agency, male service members age 30 and older are to be screened for testosterone deficiency as part of the periodic health assessment, entry examination, or annual physical. Male service members under 30 may be screened when they request it or when a clinician identifies a reason to evaluate them.
Screening does not mean an automatic testosterone prescription
The DHA describes the initial screening as a structured review of symptoms and risk factors. That distinction matters. A screening question or risk assessment is not the same thing as a confirmed diagnosis, and a single laboratory result does not automatically establish that testosterone therapy is appropriate.
The Endocrine Society recommends that testosterone deficiency be diagnosed in men who have compatible symptoms together with consistently low, accurately measured testosterone levels. It has also publicly raised concerns about broad population-level screening of asymptomatic men and about possible fertility consequences of treatment.
Can the military prescribe TRT?
Yes. The DHA guidance states that when testosterone deficiency is identified, patients and military medical professionals may discuss treatment options that can include testosterone replacement therapy or other hormone treatments. Treatment decisions are individualized and monitored by military medical professionals.
This is not a policy of giving testosterone to every man over age 30. It is a policy intended to identify possible deficiency and create a clinical pathway for further evaluation and treatment when appropriate.
What about active-duty members who want private TRT care?
Active-duty members should understand the rules of their military health coverage before seeking outside treatment. TRICARE states that active-duty service members need a referral for most care received outside their assigned military hospital or clinic. A member considering outside hormone care should discuss that plan with the appropriate military medical team and understand any referral, authorization, documentation, readiness, medication-reporting, and duty requirements that apply.
Hormone Balance Centers does not represent itself as a replacement for military medical care or as an endorsed Department of Defense provider. Service members should follow military and TRICARE requirements applicable to their status.
National Guard and Reserve members have different healthcare situations
Guard and Reserve members may have healthcare arrangements that differ from active-duty members depending on activation status, orders, eligibility, and TRICARE plan. That makes it important to verify current coverage and referral requirements rather than assuming one rule applies to every military patient.
For some non-activated Guard and Reserve members, private medical care may be easier to access than it is for an active-duty member. The appropriate clinical and insurance pathway still depends on the individual’s status, state, and treatment plan.
Fertility should be discussed before TRT
One of the most important questions for younger service members is future fertility. Exogenous testosterone can suppress the body’s own reproductive hormone signaling and sperm production. Men who want children now or in the future should make family-planning goals part of the conversation before beginning treatment.
The Endocrine Society specifically recommends against starting testosterone therapy in men planning fertility in the near term. Military patients should ask their treating clinician how any proposed hormone treatment could affect fertility and what alternatives may be appropriate.
What should you do if military screening flags possible low testosterone?
Start by asking what the screening result actually means. Was the concern based on symptoms, risk factors, laboratory testing, or a combination? Does the clinician want a repeat morning testosterone test? Are there other possible causes of the symptoms? What additional evaluation is needed before deciding on treatment?
Bring previous lab reports, medication and supplement lists, relevant diagnoses, prior testosterone prescriptions if any, and a clear description of symptoms. Ask for copies of laboratory results and the follow-up plan.
Private TRT care for eligible patients
Hormone Balance Centers provides self-pay telehealth hormone care to eligible patients in states where its clinicians are authorized to practice. The practice uses clinical evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing rather than treating a symptom list or one number as an automatic indication for testosterone.
Patients who are considering private care can review testosterone replacement therapy, TRT and fertility, TRT monitoring and blood tests, and TRT pricing. Current or former service members can also contact Hormone Balance Centers to ask whether care is available in the state where they are physically located.
Bottom line
The 2026 military policy is real, but it is best understood as a screening and clinical-evaluation initiative rather than a blanket testosterone-testing or prescribing program. For service members, the next step after a positive screen is a careful medical evaluation. For Guard, Reserve, veteran, and civilian patients considering private care, the same principle applies: symptoms, repeat testing when appropriate, health history, fertility goals, and ongoing monitoring all matter.