NPR’s Ailsa Chang recently spoke with Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman of Georgetown University about the Defense Department’s plan to screen service members’ testosterone levels and offer supplementation.

A Complex Issue

The Defense Department’s plan to screen service members’ testosterone levels and offer supplementation has raised several concerns among medical professionals and experts. The issue is complex, as testosterone levels can fluctuate naturally due to various factors such as age, stress, and sleep deprivation.

Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, a professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Health Policy and Management, expressed her concerns about the plan, stating that ‘testosterone levels can be affected by many factors, including sleep, exercise, and stress.’ She emphasized that ‘it’s not just about giving people a testosterone supplement.’

Why is it difficult to test testosterone levels?

According to Dr. Fugh-Berman, testing testosterone levels in service members is a challenging task due to several reasons. Firstly, testosterone levels can fluctuate naturally, making it difficult to determine a baseline level. Secondly, testosterone levels can be affected by various factors such as sleep, exercise, and stress, which can make it difficult to isolate the true cause of low testosterone levels.

Dr. Fugh-Berman also pointed out that testosterone levels can be measured in different ways, including through blood tests, saliva tests, and urine tests. However, each method has its own limitations and can provide different results. For instance, blood tests can provide a more accurate measurement of testosterone levels, but they may not be as sensitive to changes in testosterone levels as saliva tests.

Furthermore, Dr. Fugh-Berman noted that testosterone levels can be influenced by various factors such as medications, supplements, and certain medical conditions. For example, certain medications such as steroids can affect testosterone levels, while certain medical conditions such as hypogonadism can cause low testosterone levels.

In addition, Dr. Fugh-Berman emphasized that testosterone levels can vary depending on the time of day, with levels typically peaking in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. This makes it challenging to determine a baseline level of testosterone.

What are the implications of the plan?

The Defense Department’s plan to screen service members’ testosterone levels and offer supplementation has several implications. Firstly, it raises concerns about the potential overuse of testosterone supplements, which can have negative side effects such as acne, hair loss, and mood changes.

Secondly, it highlights the need for more research on the effects of testosterone supplementation on service members. Dr. Fugh-Berman emphasized that ‘we need more studies to understand the effects of testosterone supplementation on service members’ health.’

Thirdly, it raises questions about the role of testosterone in military performance. Dr. Fugh-Berman noted that ‘testosterone is not the only factor that affects military performance’ and that ‘other factors such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition are also important.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, testing service members’ testosterone levels is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While testosterone levels can be affected by various factors, it is essential to understand the implications of the Defense Department’s plan and the need for more research on the effects of testosterone supplementation on service members.