U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday (July 15) mandatory annual testosterone screening for troops 30 years old or above, an initiative he said was aimed at combating testosterone deficiency that can undermine health.

Hegseth said the screening could lead to troops being offered testosterone replacement therapy aimed at "ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best."

"Because it's well-established science that as we age, testosterone levels often naturally drop," he said in a video message.

Reuters was not able to verify the location and date when the video was filmed. No old results were found posted online before July 15.

The screening would become part of annual testing for troops aged 30 and above, and troops could voluntarily decide whether to accept any recommended hormone replacement treatment if they were diagnosed with low testosterone levels. Troops below the age of 30 could request to be tested.

The move comes as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has moved to ease some restrictions on testosterone replacement therapies, including announcing last month it would seek to remove limits on use ‌in men with age-related low testosterone.

Still, Hegseth's announcement triggered backlash from opposition Democrats, who pointed to his ban on transgender service members who often depended on hormone therapy.

"So now y'all support gender-affirming care?" Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee said.

"Sounds like gender-affirming care to me," Senator Tammy Duckworth added.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEGSETH, SAYING:

"At the Department of War, we have the most elite warriors on the face of the earth. Every single day you are pushed to your absolute physical and mental limits. To master the profession of arms. We demand your all and you give it. But while we invest heavily in our weapons systems, platforms and gear, our most decisive tactical advantage will always be the individual war fighter. We have a sacred duty to maintain that advantage, which is why we must constantly look for new ways to optimize your performance, your resilience, and your long term health. And to meet that commitment today, I'm authorizing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency for our service members, ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best. Because it's well-established science that as we age, testosterone levels often naturally drop. Under the supervision of our world-class medical professionals, war fighters age 30 and older, are going to be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessments, a health assessment that happens every year. We're just adding this test. Those under 30 can voluntarily choose to get the test as well. If treatment is recommended, it's entirely your choice to receive testosterone replacement therapy. This initiative, it's not about artificial enhancement. It's about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight. We owe our warriors the absolute best medical care in the world, and this program delivers on that obligation. Taking care of your long term health means ensuring you remain strong, resilient and capable not just for your next deployment, but for the rest of your life. So you can thrive long after you take off the uniform. As we know, the modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting. It requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness. And by addressing these health markers early, we're keeping you on the leading edge of lethality and giving you the same level of support that you give this nation the absolute best. Godspeed. Keep going, and God bless."