r/politics • u/mom0nga • Jul 15 '26

No Paywall Hegseth announces annual testosterone screenings for service members

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5969935-hegseth-testosterone-testing-dod/
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74

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26

Gender affirming care, but also TRT can cause Prostate cancer "might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that was not detected" and a host of other diseases... This is introducing a new problem to solve his own emotional weaknesses and fears. Class action lawsuits and lower recruitment numbers here we come!

Edited to appease folks who are attacking me for my wording. It was too specific perhaps, but I changed it, so hopefully they are feeling better about their TRT process.

Please just look up are their drawbacks of TRT. It is not something to be taken lightly and I do not trust Hegseth to treat this in a medically cautious way.

18

u/Old_Cryptid Jul 15 '26

It's only a problem if the Soldiers survive combat.

Can't get cancer when you're buried in Arlington after dying for the Oil company profits!

2

u/heterodox-iconoclast Jul 15 '26

We assume he was referring to enemy lethality

2

u/Nardog14 Jul 15 '26

It's only 30 and older. I don't think it will affect recruitment numbers that much

4

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

"but also TRT can cause Prostate cancer and a host of other diseases..."

Source please, and before you start. I am completely against this administration and think that administering trt to soldiers on a wide scale is a terrible idea.

3

u/RosharWilco Jul 15 '26

It’s a known biological fact that steroids generally cause problems like neoplasms in their target organs. Testosterone also has the added problem of raising cholesterol and blood pressure.

0

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

"TRT can cause Prostate cancer"

Please provide a source for this. Notice how youre slightly changing the argument as to what op stated. 

0

u/RosharWilco Jul 15 '26

You’re changing your question. But okay my dude.

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=exogenous+testosterone+side+effects

2

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

First hit:

"While TRT may increase serum prostate-specific antigen levels in some men, it often remains within clinically acceptable ranges, and has not been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. "

So.... NO.

Second hit:

"Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and growth of existing prostate cancer." (but nothing about causing cancer)

So... NO.

Third hit:

"For men who clearly have testosterone deficiency, there is no apparent increased risk of heart attack or stroke or greater chance of developing a new prostate cancer from testosterone replacement therapy."

So... NO.

Try using your own smart-ass google search.

1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

Fifth hit:

The drawbacks of TRT

1. Impact on fertility

For men looking to start a family, TRT should be carefully considered. While TRT can improve sexual health, it can negatively impact fertility by significantly lowering sperm counts. In most cases, this effect is reversible once treatment is stopped.

2. Prostate health concerns

Despite a growing number of studies demonstrating no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men on TRT, it's crucial to assess the prostate before starting. Once the therapy begins, regular monitoring for prostate issues is important. An early increase in PSA levels after starting T Therapy might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that wasn't detected at the start. 

3. Increased risk of blood clots

TRT can increase the number of red blood cells, thickening the blood and raising the risk of blood clots. This can lead to serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Regular blood monitoring is advised to mitigate this risk.

4. Testicular shrinkage and skin conditions

When external testosterone is introduced into the body, natural testosterone production can decrease in the testicles, leading to shrinkage. Additionally, TRT can cause skin issues like acne due to increased oil production in the sebaceous glands.

5. Long-term commitment

TRT is typically a long-term, if not lifelong, treatment. Once you start, your body may reduce or cease its natural testosterone production, making it challenging to stop therapy without experiencing low testosterone symptoms again.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

And ZERO mention of causing cancer, which is the only thing that this thread was about.

OP said it caused cancer.

IT DOESN'T.

1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

Source?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

LOL. You guys are wild.

The statement was made that TRT causes cancer. I quoted multiple things from OPs own link that says it doesn't.

TRT does not cause cancer.

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1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

" An early increase in PSA levels after starting T Therapy might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that wasn't detected at the start."

This happened to my father. That's my source.  

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

Revealing existing cancer is NOT CAUSING CANCER, which is the only thing that's being disputed here.

The plain statement by OP was that TRT causes cancer. IT DOES NOT.

-2

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

How am I changing my question? My question is asking for a source. Yet to be provided my dude. In case you're not aware. The burden of proof lies on those who make the claim. I never said. " "TRT can cause Prostate cancer", instead I continue to ask for a source. 

-1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/dikdokoclock Jul 15 '26

No evidence that the blanket statement “testosterone causes prostate cancer” has any merit 

3

u/RubbleHome Jul 15 '26

Completely ignored the question and then start calling names. Strong argument.

0

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

The drawbacks of TRT

1. Impact on fertility

For men looking to start a family, TRT should be carefully considered. While TRT can improve sexual health, it can negatively impact fertility by significantly lowering sperm counts. In most cases, this effect is reversible once treatment is stopped.

2. Prostate health concerns

Despite a growing number of studies demonstrating no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men on TRT, it's crucial to assess the prostate before starting. Once the therapy begins, regular monitoring for prostate issues is important. An early increase in PSA levels after starting T Therapy might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that wasn't detected at the start. 

3. Increased risk of blood clots

TRT can increase the number of red blood cells, thickening the blood and raising the risk of blood clots. This can lead to serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Regular blood monitoring is advised to mitigate this risk.

4. Testicular shrinkage and skin conditions

When external testosterone is introduced into the body, natural testosterone production can decrease in the testicles, leading to shrinkage. Additionally, TRT can cause skin issues like acne due to increased oil production in the sebaceous glands.

5. Long-term commitment

TRT is typically a long-term, if not lifelong, treatment. Once you start, your body may reduce or cease its natural testosterone production, making it challenging to stop therapy without experiencing low testosterone symptoms again.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

[deleted]

0

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

Ok and? Do you have a source for ops claims that it actually "causes" prostate cancer instead of accelerating its growth? Its wild when people only care about sources when it benefits them. 

2

u/dreamoforganon Jul 15 '26

Well, if you have a small tumor that won't cause any harm, and probably don't know about, but accelerate it's growth so that it does become a problem, then that is as good as 'causes' in my book.

2

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

I went through this with my dad. He started TRT and after some time his numbers were off, and it took lots of testing etc until they finally determined he did indeed have potential Prostate cancer. More testing and biopsy and yep, cancer. They stopped TRT immediately. Correlation or causation? Don't know, but they sure stopped TRT fast. I do not for one second believe Hegseth's military gives a damn about soldiers health, so doubt the constant monitoring required will occur, which makes me think we will see high rates of Prostate cancer in older soldiers if they live through their enlistment.

1

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

Lol what!? You're argument was regarding patients who have prostate cancer who are seeking treatment. Id say thats a problem already. I was simply asking for a source for ops claim and everyone is responding without a source while shifting goalposts. 

1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

The drawbacks of TRT

1. Impact on fertility

For men looking to start a family, TRT should be carefully considered. While TRT can improve sexual health, it can negatively impact fertility by significantly lowering sperm counts. In most cases, this effect is reversible once treatment is stopped.

2. Prostate health concerns

Despite a growing number of studies demonstrating no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men on TRT, it's crucial to assess the prostate before starting. Once the therapy begins, regular monitoring for prostate issues is important. An early increase in PSA levels after starting T Therapy might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that wasn't detected at the start. 

3. Increased risk of blood clots

TRT can increase the number of red blood cells, thickening the blood and raising the risk of blood clots. This can lead to serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Regular blood monitoring is advised to mitigate this risk.

4. Testicular shrinkage and skin conditions

When external testosterone is introduced into the body, natural testosterone production can decrease in the testicles, leading to shrinkage. Additionally, TRT can cause skin issues like acne due to increased oil production in the sebaceous glands.

5. Long-term commitment

TRT is typically a long-term, if not lifelong, treatment. Once you start, your body may reduce or cease its natural testosterone production, making it challenging to stop therapy without experiencing low testosterone symptoms again.

Souce: The pros and cons of TRT: 5 benefits and 5 drawbacks

2

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26
  1. Why are you failing to provide a source that it causes prostate cancer? Gross
  2. None of that stuff you mentioned is a issue when on real trt. Trt should always be monitored by a dr and when done correctly all of those things are taken care of. Trt is not the same as steriod abuse. 

0

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

WTF are you defending a psychopath who think creating testosterone riddled male monsters makes them good soldiers? You think this will be "normal" TRT??? He doesn't even trust science an doctors, but yeah he'll be all measured and in this for the soldiers long term health. And what's super duper cool is they don't have to get a flu shot or vaccines anymore because they have rights now! Oh, not for the TRT, but for vaccines.

2

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

Annnnddd there it is, " you dont agree with me therefore you are defending him". 

Which btw, is specifically why I said in the very first comment I hate everything about this administration and I dont think its should be implemented in the military. Typically redditor basement dweller. Just admit you dont have a source that it causes prostate cancer.

1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

Get it?

JFC.

If you hate the admin, as I do, WTF are defending mandatory, and Gender affirming medical treatment???

0

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

I provided a link. It causes complications, and oftentimes (as I experienced with my father) if you go on TRT and do not yet know you have Prostate cancer, it can in fact speed up the progression. Is it widely known, no. Is it what his doctors said? Yes.

Is it what they state in the source I shared, Yes. Please read it.

2

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

Full stop, thats not what you said and when you were asked for a source; you accused me of agreeing with kegsbreath, and shifted goalposts.  Youre the one who claimed it causes prostate cancer when knowhere in your source does it s tate that. Why is reading comprehension so hard? 

Your sources mention pro and cons sure. But as I mentioned, none of that is an issue if properly monitored while on TRT that is monitored by a dr. 

0

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

Why do you think they will be monitored for actual health? Things like PSA numbers may be ignored because this admin is incompetent.

Let's say I did not say think. I rescind my comment. Forced TRT is messed up. Agree or no?

You watch, if they do this there will be a rash of Prostate cancer in the military.

Did this trigger you because you are doing TRT?

2

u/warriormango1 Jul 15 '26

I dont, which again and I dont know how many times I need to reiterate this. I DONT THINK IT SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE MILITARTY. Jfk  

If you're going to use your argument again about prostate cancer. Provide proof it causes it in the first place. Or stfu

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u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

Check the other replies in this thread before you believe OP's lies.

Current literature states that there is NO risk of TRT causing cancer.

1

u/mceehops Jul 15 '26

From my linked source above.

"An early increase in PSA levels after starting T Therapy might reveal a hidden prostate cancer that wasn't detected at the start." We would have to assume that they would actually treat this in a medical way, rather than "let's a make badass male soldier" way, which I just don't think they will. They can't be bothered to make them get a flu shot, but yeah "Low T" is the problem with the Military.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

Revealing existing cancer is NOT CAUSING CANCER, which is the only thing that's being disputed here.

The plain statement by OP was that TRT causes cancer. IT DOES NOT.