US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement of a program to screen for testosterone deficiency in American military personnel has shed light on this hormone, which is known for its essential role in men's health but is still surrounded by many misconceptions.

Hegseth confirmed that screenings will include military personnel aged 30 and above as part of annual medical exams, with optional screening for those younger, considering that maintaining normal testosterone levels contributes to enhancing physical and mental readiness.

But what is testosterone, also known as the male hormone? And when does its deficiency become a health problem requiring treatment?

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What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, also known as the male hormone, and is produced mainly in the testes. It plays an important role in:

- Building muscle mass.

- Maintaining bone density.

- Sperm production.

- Libido.

- Energy levels.

- Mood and concentration.

Although it is associated with men, women also produce small amounts of it in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

When do levels decline?

Testosterone levels begin to decline gradually with age, often after age 30, at a rate of about 1% per year.

But some men may experience a greater decline due to other factors, such as:

- Obesity.

- Type 2 diabetes.

- Sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea.

- Chronic diseases.

- Use of certain medications.

- Testicular injuries or diseases.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency

A low hormone level does not always indicate a problem, but if accompanied by clear symptoms, it may point to a condition known as hypogonadism.

The most prominent symptoms include:

- Decreased libido.

- Persistent fatigue.

- Decreased muscle mass and physical strength.

- Increased body fat.

- Mood swings or depression.

- Poor concentration and memory.

- Decreased bone density over time.

How does low testosterone affect military performance?

Doctors believe that low testosterone can affect some physical and mental abilities essential for military personnel, especially if the decline is due to a medical condition.

It can lead to reduced muscle mass and physical strength, increased fatigue, slow recovery after exertion, as well as decreased concentration and motivation — factors that may affect the ability to endure training and field missions.

However, experts emphasize that these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a hormone deficiency, as they may also result from lack of sleep, psychological stress, or other illnesses. This makes accurate diagnosis through medical tests essential before resorting to any treatment.

Does every man need to get tested?

Medical guidelines do not recommend routine testosterone screening for all men.

Screening is usually recommended when symptoms suggest hormone deficiency, and it should be performed under specific conditions, as testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day and are highest in the morning.

For this reason, doctors recommend testing in the morning, often after a period of fasting, and it may need to be repeated more than once to confirm the diagnosis.

Is treatment suitable for everyone?

Some men may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy if a clear deficiency with symptoms is confirmed, but this treatment is not suitable for all cases.

It may carry risks and side effects, so it should be under medical supervision and after a comprehensive health assessment, not for the purpose of increasing physical strength or improving athletic performance in healthy individuals.

What about high testosterone?

High testosterone levels do not necessarily mean better health or higher physical performance. When the hormone rises to abnormal levels, whether due to unnecessary replacement therapy or use of hormonal steroids, the risk of several health complications increases.

The most notable potential effects of high testosterone include:

- Elevated red blood cell count, which may increase the risk of clot formation in some individuals.

- Sleep disturbances, including worsening of sleep apnea.

- Mood swings, irritability, or aggressive behavior in some cases.

- Reduced sperm production and decreased fertility due to suppression of natural hormone production in the body.

- Possible increased risk of certain cardiovascular problems in some groups, especially when using therapy with unmonitored doses.

Doctors stress that testosterone replacement therapy must be under careful medical supervision, and the goal is to restore the hormone to normal levels, not to raise it to higher levels in the belief that it enhances strength or performance.

How can normal levels be maintained?

Studies indicate that a healthy lifestyle can help support testosterone levels, through:

- Maintaining a healthy weight.

- Regular resistance training.

- Sleeping 7 to 9 hours a day.

- Reducing chronic stress.

- Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Conclusion

Amid the growing interest in testosterone following the US decision, experts emphasize that low levels are not diagnosed by symptoms alone but require medical evaluation and laboratory tests performed at the right time. Treatment should be based on a genuine medical need, not on the belief that higher hormone levels necessarily mean better health or performance. Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains the safest way to support hormonal balance in the long term.