Low testosterone? Hegseth sparks conversation as doctors reveal warning signs every man should know
With Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fueling a national conversation about testosterone, many men may wonder whether their own levels are where they should be.On July 15, Hegseth directed the Pentagon to begin mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve personnel age 30 and older as part of their periodic health assessments, with testing available upon request for younger service members.Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), when clinically indicated, will be voluntary, according to the Associated Press. NEW BLOOD TEST DETECTS 90% OF AGGRESSIVE PROSTATE CANCER CASES, BEATING CURRENT SCREENINGSThe screening protocol is designed to "optimize performance, combat ‘Operator Syndrome' and maximize mission readiness," according to a statement posted by the U.S.Department of War, as provided by Hegseth's office to Fox News Digital."I think Hegseth has a good idea," Dr.
Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital."I already screen for it in men over 50, and it makes sense to check for it in men who rely on tip-top physical performance."With Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fueling a national conversation about testosterone, many men may wonder whether their own levels are where they should be.
(Cliff Owen/AP Photo)Unlike the Pentagon's policy, the Endocrine Society does not recommend routine testosterone screening for men without symptoms."There is insufficient evidence to support a general recommendation to perform population-level screening for hypogonadism in asymptomatic men with measurement of blood testosterone level," the society states on its website.There is no single ideal testosterone level for every man.A harmonized reference range cited by the Endocrine Society is 264 to 916 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) for healthy, non-obese men ages 19 to 39, although ranges can vary by laboratory and testing method.SECRET TO WEIGHT LOSS MAY BE HIDING IN YOUR GUT, NEW STUDY SUGGESTSThe American Urological Association ...