Defense Health Agency Outlines Screening Process and Treatment Limits

The department's health office released the guidance on September 17, aligning it with a July directive that standardizes screening and treatment pathways for all male service members, whether on active duty or in the reserves.

Screening begins with a systematic appraisal of presenting complaints and known risk factors. When the appraisal is positive, clinicians order two morning blood draws after an overnight fast. The results guide whether a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency can be confirmed.

The policy clarifies that a diagnosis requires both low laboratory values and consistent clinical symptoms. Isolated low lab results or isolated symptoms alone do not meet the criteria for therapy.