Androgen Signaling Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men

Androsterone may help with sexual and affective dysfunction from finasteride by replacing disrupted neurosteroids without increasing androgenic side effects. Controlled testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

Topical androgen receptor antagonists may not be necessary if 5-AR inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride effectively reduce DHT levels. Combining a 5-AR inhibitor with a topical androgen antagonist could potentially enhance treatment, but oral use of androgen antagonists is too risky due to severe side effects.

Pyrilutamide and RU58841 are androgen receptor antagonists that block receptors without significantly reducing testosterone or DHT levels. Any indirect effect on androgen levels is likely negligible.

The user is concerned about high DHT levels despite using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss, suggesting these treatments may not be effective. They plan to consult an endocrinologist and consider other antiandrogens, acknowledging potential side effects.

Finasteride has no effect on the user's estradiol levels, and body fat may influence aromatization. The user is on testosterone replacement therapy and uses everyday injections to manage high RBC count, with plans to measure DHT, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone levels.

The conversation discusses androgen receptor degraders for hair loss, highlighting their potential advantages over traditional AR blockers like RU58841 and pyrilutamide. Concerns about the safety and cost of these treatments are also mentioned.