Low testosterone? Hegseth sparks conversation as doctors reveal warning signs every man should know

With Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fueling a national conversation about testosterone, many men may wonder whether their own levels are where they should be.

On July 15, Hegseth directed the Pentagon to begin mandatory testosterone-deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve personnel age 30 and older as part of their periodic health assessments, with testing available upon request for younger service members.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), when clinically indicated, will be voluntary, according to the Associated Press. 

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The screening protocol is designed to "optimize performance, combat ‘Operator Syndrome' and maximize mission readiness," according to a statement posted by the U.S. Department of War, as provided by Hegseth's office to Fox News Digital.

"I think Hegseth has a good idea," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital. "I already screen for it in men over 50, and it makes sense to check for it in men who rely on tip-top physical performance."

Unlike the Pentagon's policy, the Endocrine Society does not recommend routine testosterone screening for men without symptoms.

"There is insufficient evidence to support a general recommendation to perform population-level screening for hypogonadism in asymptomatic men with measurement of blood testosterone level," the society states on its website.

There is no single ideal testosterone level for every man. A harmonized reference range cited by the Endocrine Society is 264 to 916 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) for healthy, non-obese men ages 19 to 39, although ranges can vary by laboratory and testing method.

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The American Urological Association says that a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL, when combined with symptoms of low testosterone, should be considered deficient.

The Endocrine Society estimates that hypogonadism affects roughly 2% of men overall, although rates vary by age and underlying health. The condition becomes more likely as men grow older, and certain medical conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, can also play a role.

"Low testosterone can cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, bone and muscle loss, cognitive problems and increased body fat," Siegel said.

The Endocrine Society shares the following list of common symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency.

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Over time, men with untreated testosterone deficiency may also experience loss of body hair, decreased bone density (osteoporosis) and anemia (low red blood cell count).

Sexual symptoms, such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, are more specific signs of testosterone deficiency than fatigue or difficulty concentrating, which can have many possible causes, experts say.

Because testosterone varies by time of day and can be temporarily affected by food intake, illness and other factors, diagnosis generally requires symptoms or signs plus low results on at least two separate early-morning, preferably fasting blood tests, per the Endocrine Society.

If low testosterone is confirmed, doctors may order additional blood tests to determine the underlying cause, including luteinizing hormone (LH), which helps distinguish whether the problem originates in the testes, pituitary or hypothalamus.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may also be measured, particularly when infertility or impaired sperm production is a concern.

In some cases, doctors may recommend testing prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Elevated levels of prolactin can suppress testosterone production and may indicate an underlying pituitary disorder.

Doctors may also measure free testosterone — the amount that is available for the body to use — if total testosterone levels are borderline or don't fully explain a man's symptoms.

Before prescribing TRT, doctors generally look for potentially reversible or temporary factors, including obesity, certain medications, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute illness and excessive alcohol use.

For men whose low testosterone is primarily related to obesity, weight loss is typically the first-line treatment, according to the Endocrine Society.

When consistently low levels and clinically significant symptoms are present, TRT may be considered after reviewing potential benefits, risks and treatment goals.

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TRT can be administered in the form of topical gels, transdermal patches, injections, buccal tablets, nasal gel or subcutaneous pellets, per the Endocrine Society.

In June 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it has asked the FDA to update the prescribing information for TRT based on "a comprehensive review of new clinical data and existing scientific evidence."

The proposed changes would remove labeling language stating that the safety and effectiveness of TRT have not been established in men with age-related hypogonadism and would update information about prostate cancer risk based on newer research.

"We are putting science back at the center of men’s healthcare," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in a statement on the HHS website.

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"By updating testosterone therapy labels to reflect current evidence, we are giving patients and physicians clearer information, supporting informed medical decisions, and improving care for millions of American men."

The announcement only pertains to drug labeling and does not change existing clinical guidelines.

Some patients may not be candidates for TRT, the Endocrine Society says.

Those include men with active breast or prostate cancer, elevated hematocrit (the percentage of total blood volume that consists of red blood cells), untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea, recent heart attack or stroke (within the previous six months) or thrombophilia (a blood disorder that increases your tendency to form abnormal clots inside your blood vessels).

Men who are trying to conceive should also avoid TRT, as it suppresses sperm production and can impair fertility.

Those receiving TRT should be monitored regularly by a physician, experts advise. Follow-up typically includes checking hormone levels, blood counts (as the treatment can increase red blood cell levels), symptoms and, when appropriate, prostate health and other potential adverse effects.

In 2023, the TRAVERSE trial — led by Cleveland Clinic and published in The New England Journal of Medicine — found that TRT did not increase the overall rate of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death compared with placebo among middle-aged and older men who had confirmed hypogonadism and pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk.

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The trial did, however, suggest increased rates of pulmonary embolism, kidney injury and atrial fibrillation in the testosterone group, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.

A separately published TRAVERSE substudy later found a higher rate of clinical fractures among men receiving testosterone.

"The results provide long-awaited reassurance about the cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy when used as indicated in appropriately selected men," said senior author Steven Nissen, MD, chief academic officer of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, in a press release.

"Although the trial showed some evidence that testosterone treatment may be safe for men with low levels of testosterone, these findings should not be used as a justification for widespread prescription of these products to large numbers of men."

While TRT has been shown to improve libido, sexual function, anemia, bone density, lean body mass and some symptoms in appropriately selected men, doctors emphasize that it is not guaranteed to improve energy, cognition or overall vitality.

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Dr Oz reveals the healthy retirement habit that could make America $1 trillion richer

WASHINGTON, DC – The key to improving Americans' health is reducing healthcare costs while helping people stay active and productive for longer, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told Fox News Digital.

In an exclusive interview at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Oz shared the biggest lessons he’s learned about improving Americans’ health while serving in the Trump administration.

"You sit with lots of really smart people and you learn something pretty quickly: The most expensive thing we do in healthcare is give bad quality care," he told Fox News Digital.

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"Because you're paying someone who's not qualified to do a bad job, and you've got to pay somebody to fix that job – they're going to charge you – and you've got to fix all the downstream complications," he added.

When it comes to helping Americans stay healthy, Oz said his focus at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is on "quality, quality, quality."

That includes everything from preventing disease to encouraging healthy behaviors at home, such as preparing healthy meals.

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"The second big thing we've got to do is make sure that every interaction we have in the health system is based on value," Oz said. "We don't just pay a doctor to do something to you, we want to pay a doctor to take care of you."

The doctor said new healthcare technologies are making it easier to deliver high-quality care by "meeting you where you are."

"It's one of the reasons I do want to embrace AI, if used safely and correctly," he said. "As we get better and better with innovative medications, screening techniques and the ability to get people to think differently about their role, their job, when it comes to staying healthy, we're going to prosper as a nation."

According to the CMS administrator, every Medicare patient is issued a free annual wellness exam, but fewer than half of patients take advantage of it.

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Those who skip the annual wellness visit often assume they're healthy when underlying problems may go undetected, Oz said, leading to more costly treatments later.

"They’re lying to themselves," he said. "Ignorance is bliss, [but] not in healthcare."

In taking these steps to improve the health of Americans, Oz projected that the country could make major gains in wealth and vitality.

"We can get the average American to feel so vital, so with it, so healthy, that they want to work one more year," he said. "The value to our nation is $1 trillion."

"Think about that: $1 trillion of value to GDP, our nation, all the taxes, all the benefits, the social programs, all the extra revenue to help get our country to go full speed. If only we make our people so healthy they want one extra year."

Oz said most Americans do want to work as they get older, but may start to feel less physically equipped.

"They start to feel that they're not in the game anymore. They're not as strong," he said. "So, let's focus on health in America. We'll spend less. We'll also make more."

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Leading oncologist reveals 6 habits that could promote longevity and reduce your risk of chronic illness

The health and wellness information put out on television, podcasts, social media, websites and elsewhere can be overwhelming, but a leading oncologist and University of Pennsylvania bioethicist argues healthy aging can be simplified into six evidence-based rules.

"Don’t be a schmuck" is the first principle offered by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel in his book, "Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life."

"Don't be stupid," Emanuel said recently on the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast. "This is something my father used to say to his three sons very commonly when we were doing something dumb."

Emanuel's brothers are former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and powerful talent agent Ari Emanuel.

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Emanuel argued that obviously dangerous activities, such as BASE jumping, climbing Mount Everest and smoking and vaping are examples of being a schmuck because they carry a high risk of death.

His other principles for living longer and reducing disease risk include prioritizing an active social life, staying mentally active with new hobbies and opportunities to learn, limiting processed and sugary foods and drinks without being overly restrictive, engaging in moderate exercise and getting proper sleep.

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"Our entire brain is constructed around social interactions, and it does way more for us," Emanuel said. "We know that if you're lonely, socially isolated, you dramatically increase your risks of mortality.

"More than three million people worldwide have been enrolled in studies about social interaction and longevity," he went on. "And the socially isolated, people who have zero or one friends, don't see friends a lot, those people are much more likely to die in the next few years."

According to Emanuel, being socially isolated or lonely "is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day."

Both close relationships and casual social interactions contribute to well-being, he said.

Emanuel explained why he thinks much of society’s obsession with wellness is toxic and what he labels as "the wellness industrial complex" gets wrong.

"You should not be obsessed about wellness," Emanuel said on the podcast. "You should be obsessed about living a meaningful life. That's really what's important, and wellness is only a means to an end."

Much of the wellness industry focuses on self-denial, which is misguided, said Emanuel.

"Biology for humans is about homeostasis, the balance between one extreme and another," he said.

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Society's current obsession with wellness is nothing new, he added.

"Wellness is a response to a topsy-turvy world, a lot of uncertainty about what the future's bringing, people feeling like their life's out of control," he said. "And so wellness is a response. This is something I can control, what I eat, the vaccines I get, the exercise, and I think that's what we have today. This is a lot about self-control transmuted into wellness as the outlet."

The body thrives when it doesn’t take dieting or exercising to extremes, Emanuel said. He is a teetotaler himself, but his wife enjoys cocktails, and when they have a dinner party, they serve alcohol.

Don’t drink alone or use alcohol to drown out your sorrows or avoid dealing with them, Emanuel advised.

The ZOE podcast asked Emanuel to advise listeners who aren’t following any of his six rules what to try first.

"Dinner parties," he said. "You cook, and you both have good, healthy food because you've cooked it, and you've challenged your mind ‘cause you're adding a new recipe, and you're figuring out how to do it right.

"You have people over, so you've got social connections," he continued. "You're challenging your mind with a good conversation. And when it's all over, you go out for a walk, so you get some physical activity. This is like you've done almost everything in wellness. All of those elements are key to wellness, and it's the kind of thing you can do, you know, once a weekend or... And you'll be happier."

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New Alzheimer's blood test predicts who is likely to develop dementia in 5 to 10 years

A simple blood test detecting a specific protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease may help predict future cognitive decline in older adults up to a decade before any noticeable symptoms appear, according to a new study.

The Harvard-led research, presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in London and simultaneously published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, could transform how doctors assess dementia risk and help patients prepare for the disease.

By measuring a blood biomarker called p-tau217, which tracks the build-up of damaging proteins in the brain, clinicians may soon be able to assess Alzheimer's risk much like they use cholesterol tests to estimate heart disease risk, researchers say.

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In one of the largest analyses of its kind, researchers tracked nearly 2,700 cognitively healthy adults averaging 70 years of age for up to a decade.

They found that symptom-free individuals with very high levels of p-tau217 had an estimated 78% chance of developing cognitive impairment within 10 years, and a roughly one in three chance within five years. Even those with moderately elevated levels faced a 45% risk over a decade.

The p-tau217 protein is a modified form of tau, which forms tangles in the brain and is associated with memory loss. The blood test provided information beyond what standard brain scans and genetic testing can offer, according to the researchers.

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Rachel Buckley, the study’s lead author and an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, said the findings provide some of the clearest evidence yet that dementia risk can be detected years before memory problems begin.

"Once verified, these blood tests could be used to recruit patients for clinical trials of treatments to prevent cognitive decline and dementia," she said in a press release.

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"In the future, when treatments are approved for use early in the disease process, these tests could help guide monitoring, treatment decisions and counseling for patients and families," Buckley added.

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The researchers cautioned that p-tau217 cannot fully predict an individual's future on its own. Other factors like age, genetics, kidney function and racial background can also influence biomarker levels and dementia risk.

The team emphasized the need for longer studies in more diverse groups to perfect these risk estimates.

Maria Carrillo, chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, said that targeting the silent stage of the disease before memory issues arise is where future treatments could have the greatest impact.

"Identifying people at risk earlier could fundamentally change how we diagnose, treat and potentially prevent dementia," she told Fox News Digital, noting that earlier detection could allow people to begin interventions before symptoms develop.

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Weight-loss drugs may improve job prospects and dating odds for one group

A recent study suggests GLP-1-related weight loss may improve some women’s relationships and employment status.

Rebecca Diamond, professor of economics at Harvard University in Boston, independently published research that found an association between weight-loss medications and a change in women’s social and economic outcomes.

Diamond used the Understanding America Study, a panel survey from the University of Southern California, to compare women who started GLP-1s for weight loss to those who wanted to start but had not yet done so.

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The comparison considered body mass, health, income, employment, partnership status and well-being before treatment.

The study focused on women because they are more likely to use GLP-1s than men. It excluded people taking GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, as their use is driven by a medical condition rather than weight-loss demand.

Women who successfully lost weight with GLP-1 medications experienced changes across several life outcomes, including employment, marriage and cohabitation, according to the study.

Marriage and cohabitation rose 29% for single women after about 18 months.

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Among women who were not employed at the start of the study, job prospects increased by 27% after the same amount of time. Those who were already employed did not display any clear upward progress in their careers, however.

Diamond argues that these findings suggest part of the "female obesity penalty" comes from how people are judged when being matched up, either in a new relationship or a new job.

Dr. Peter Balazs, MD, a hormone and weight-loss specialist from New York and New Jersey, commented on these findings.

"The effects showed up during ‘new match’ situations, such as job interviews or dating, and not within existing jobs or relationships," Balazs, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "This says more about societal bias than it does about the medication itself."

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Balazs said his patients often report feeling more confident and "visible" after weight loss, which could translate into better interview performance and networking.

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"Weight loss (commonly) improves confidence, which opens new business and relationship opportunities," he went on. "Weight loss has hormonal impacts as well, so the normalization of hormones and the profound metabolic and psychological relief that comes with it can be a factor, too."

Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon at Blechman Plastic Surgery in New York, told Fox News Digital in a separate interview that many patients seek breast lifts or body contouring after significant GLP-1 weight loss, after which they find themselves "re-engaging with life."

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"That confidence effect is real in the exam room," said the surgeon, who also was not involved in the research. "This study, however, showed no clear improvement in depression, loneliness or life satisfaction, even as marriage and employment rates climbed dramatically."

"The opportunities opened, yet the women didn't report feeling better, which suggests it was largely the gatekeepers who changed, not the women."

Because this was an observational study rather than a randomized clinical trial, it could only show an association — not cause and effect. The findings are also considered preliminary because the paper has not yet been peer-reviewed, the author acknowledged.

"Additionally, since the study only looked at women, that introduces another layer of potential bias," Balazs noted. "I'd be interested to see whether the findings would be the same if the study included men or compared them directly."

Another limitation is that the information from the individuals studied was self-reported, the expert noted. 

The researchers were also unable to determine whether people who found new jobs were earning more money.

"Additionally, even though GLP-1 users appeared to have better outcomes on paper, they did not report greater overall life satisfaction," Balazs added. "That raises important questions about whether these external changes translate into meaningful improvements in well-being."

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researcher and multiple human resources organizations requesting comment.

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First death reported in Upper East Side Legionnaires' disease outbreak as cases rise to 67

New York City health officials announced Friday that the first person has died in connection with a growing Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side as the number of confirmed infections continued to rise.

"I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.

"My deepest condolences are with their loved ones, and out of respect to their personal privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information on the individual."

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The death comes as the outbreak has sickened 67 people as of Thursday night, up from 63 cases reported a day earlier. Twelve people remain hospitalized, according to city health officials.

Investigators are tracing the outbreak to Legionella pneumophila bacteria found in 76 cooling towers across the Upper East Side and one on the Upper West Side. Buildings that tested positive, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, have been ordered to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which naturally occurs in water but can multiply in building water systems such as cooling towers. The illness can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

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Cooling towers, commonly found on rooftops, help regulate large building cooling systems and can release mist containing the bacteria. Health officials have emphasized that the outbreak is not linked to New York City's drinking water or indoor air conditioning.

Health officials urged anyone who lives, works or has visited the affected area since late June and develops flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider immediately.

Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headaches. The disease spreads through contaminated water droplets and is not spread from person to person.

Older adults, smokers and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 10 people diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.

City health officials said early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics can significantly improve outcomes for patients who become infected.

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Wildfire smoke is invading more than 20 states — doctors reveal who should worry most

Canadian wildfire smoke is drifting across parts of the U.S., prompting doctors to warn that even healthy people may face risks from prolonged exposure to polluted air.

More than 180 wildfires are burning in Ontario alone, while nearly 850 are active across Canada, sending smoke into the Midwest and Northeast, according to NASA.

More than 20 states have been affected, prompting widespread air quality alerts from the Upper Midwest to the East Coast.

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The greatest concern comes from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

"The main concern is fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5," Dr. Fernando Safdie, director of endoluminal and airway surgery and a lung cancer specialist in Miami Beach, Florida, told Fox News Digital. "These particles are small enough to get deep into the lungs, and the smallest can pass into the bloodstream."

"Smoke also carries irritant gases," he added. "That combination is what triggers symptoms."

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The EPA considers an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 100 unhealthy for sensitive groups, while levels above 150 are unhealthy for everyone.

The most common effect of wildfire smoke is irritation to the respiratory system.

"Most people notice burning or watery eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose or coughing," said Safdie.

"It can progress to chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, fatigue and a faster heartbeat."

For anyone with asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis, smoke can set off a flare or make existing symptoms noticeably worse, the doctor cautioned.

Wildfire smoke can also strain the cardiovascular system, according to the American Heart Association. It has been linked to increased emergency room visits for ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, pulmonary embolism and stroke.

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Short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter can also worsen heart failure and contribute to premature death, the EPA notes.

Studies have linked long-term exposure to an increased risk of premature death, chronic heart and lung disease, lung cancer, cognitive decline and dementia, as well as pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, according to the EPA and recent research.

Children are at the highest risk because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air for their body size, according to Safdie.

Older adults, pregnant women, and and anyone with a heart or lung condition, such as asthma, COPD or heart disease, are also especially vulnerable. Other high-risk groups include those with compromised immune systems and chronic kidney failure, the doctor said.

"Outdoor workers are exposed simply because of where they spend the day," Safdie added.

The doctor emphasized that outdoor air quality dangers may not always be visible.

"When you don't see the fires, you could still be exposed to the smoke and breathing that highly polluted air," he told Fox News Digital.

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The CDC and EPA shared the following protective measures to prevent smoke-related health risks.

Monitor air quality. Check air quality at AirNow.gov before spending time outdoors. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 100, and everyone should reduce exposure at levels of 150 and higher.

Stay indoors when smoke levels are high. Keep windows and doors closed. If using air conditioning or central HVAC, set the system to recirculate to reduce the amount of smoky outdoor air entering the home.

Clean indoor air. Run a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter or use a highest-efficiency filter. Experts also recommend avoiding activities that worsen indoor air pollution, such as burning candles, smoking, frying food or vacuuming while smoke levels remain elevated.

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Wear an N95 respirator if necessary. If you must spend time outside when smoke levels are high, a well-fitting N95 respirator can filter out most harmful fine particles.

Reduce strenuous outdoor activity. Heavy exercise causes people to breathe faster and deeper, increasing the amount of fine particulate matter that reaches the lungs. Consider moving workouts indoors until air quality improves, experts advise.

"Don’t tough it out if breathing is genuinely hard," Safdie advised. "Get medical care if you have shortness of breath that doesn’t ease with rest, a cough that won’t settle, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness or heart palpitations."

Those who have asthma or COPD should follow their doctor-provided action plan.

"Don’t wait if your rescue inhaler isn’t doing the job," Safdie said. "Call 911 for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain or confusion. When in doubt, get checked."

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Although short-term exposure is unlikely to cause long-term damage, "very intense" exposure can generate chronic issues, he said.

"For example, firefighters who are in the eye of the problem should definitely be very well-protected with the appropriate equipment, because the concentration of the smoke and the PM25 particles will be extremely high and could cause chronic problems," Safdie said.

"But for the general population, it is unlikely that they will have such an exposure. I think that it would be more of an acute problem."

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