By Gram Slattery

WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - The Pentagon is reinstituting a mandatory testing program for testosterone deficiency among US service members age 30 and older, a spokesperson ‌said on Thursday, bringing back a program that medical experts have described as unnecessary ‌and potentially harmful.

The latest clinical guidance applies only to male service members, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways for ​testosterone deficiency. The Pentagon said it will issue separate guidance for female service members at a later date.

Medical professionals have warned that testosterone, if prescribed inappropriately, could increase service members' risk of infertility or lead to other health consequences. The Pentagon temporarily rescinded an earlier version of the guidance in ‌early September "to allow for updates," and ⁠it was not immediately clear what changes h...