Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced earlier this month a policy requiring male service members aged 30 and older to undergo screening for testosterone deficiencies, with those found to have lower-than-normal levels eligible to volunteer for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Hegseth framed the initiative as part of efforts to maintain military readiness and performance standards.
On Wednesday, a federal judge overseeing litigation challenging the Trump administration’s transgender troop ban questioned the apparent inconsistency in the policies. Judge Ana Reyes of the District of Columbia District Court noted that the government has argued transgender service members’ need for hormone treatment disqualifies them from military service due to health and readiness concerns. The judge’s order cited language from the administration’s own executive order justifying the transgender ban, which states the Armed Forces must maintain high health standards without special provisions or routine medical treatment.
Reyes directed the Pentagon to provide information explaining the basis for what she characterized as differential treatment between the new testosterone policy for cisgender soldiers and restrictions on hormone therapy for transgender troops. The order also requested details on the cost and administration of the TRT program. The government must respond before a scheduled hearing on 7 August.
The policy has drawn criticism from medical professionals who expressed concerns about the potential health impacts of testosterone replacement therapy. According to Reuters, doctors stated the testosterone mandate was puzzling and warned that treatment could increase risks to service members’ fertility or lead to long-term health complications. The Pentagon has previously cited cost concerns regarding hormone-related treatments for transgender service members.
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