The Pentagon has implemented a new policy requiring US service members aged 30 and older to undergo annual testosterone screening. The hormone is often associated with ageing, muscle and sexual health. The policy, announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July, is meant to identify testosterone deficiency and assess whether it could affect the health and performance of service members. The latest Pentagon guidance means the screening is now set to begin immediately. But being over 30 automatically does not mean you need to get your testosterone levels checked. Medical guidelines generally distinguish between simply having a low testosterone reading and having clinically significant testosterone deficiency.What Is Low Testosterone?Testosterone is an important hormone involved in sex drive, sperm production, muscle and bone health, red blood cell production and overall energy.Testosterone levels naturally change with age, but a lower reading does not automatically mean a person has a hormone disorder.The Endocrine Society recommends diagnosing hypogonadism only when a man has symptoms or signs consistent with testosterone deficiency as well as consistently low testosterone levels. It also recommends confirming a low result with a repeat morning fasting testosterone test.Also read: GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide Extends Lifespan In Healthy Older Mice By 12%, Study Finds What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone?Possible symptoms of low testosterone include:Reduced sex driveErectile dysfunction or fewer spontaneous erectionsReduced energyLower sperm count or infertilityLoss of muscle massBreast enlargement or tendernessChanges in mood or concentrationExtremely low testosterone may also cause hot flashes. However, many of these symptoms are not specific to testosterone deficiency. Poor sleep, obesity, stress, medications and other medical conditions can also contribute to fatigue, low libido or changes in physical performance. That is why a blood test alone should not be used to diagnose the condition.Also read: Stroke Damage May Continue Even After The Clot Is Gone: Research Reveals Why Some Patients Fare WorseEveryone Over 30 Does Not Need A Testosterone TestThis is where the Pentagon's approach differs from conventional clinical practice. The Endocrine Society's guideline recommends against routine screening of men in the general population for hypogonadism. Instead, testing is generally considered when symptoms and clinical circumstances suggest testosterone deficiency. That distinction has sparked questions from doctors about the evidence behind universal screening of military personnel aged 30 and above. According to Reuters, four of six doctors consulted questioned whether there was strong evidence that testing every service member in this age group would improve combat readiness.Also read: Nearly 8 In 10 US Young Adults Show Signs Of Heart, Kidney Risk: Why Early Checks MatterHow To Treat Low Testosterone? Testosterone replacement therapy is intended for men with properly diagnosed testosterone deficiency, rather than simply for people who want to improve muscle, athletic performance, appearance or the normal effects of ageing. The Endocrine Society also recommends evaluating the underlying cause of low testosterone before treatment. That is important because testosterone levels can sometimes be affected by an underlying illness or other reversible factors.The symptoms, repeated hormone measurements and the reason behind the low level of testosterone play a key role in deciding whether someone actually has testosterone deficiency and needs treatment.