Hair Loss and Androgen's Role in the Era of COVID-19

This review examines the relationship between androgens and COVID-19 severity, as well as the impact of the virus on hair disorders. It highlights that androgens may increase the risk and severity of COVID-19 by upregulating TMPRSS2, which facilitates viral entry into cells, with men experiencing higher morbidity and mortality. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is linked to more severe COVID-19 cases, particularly in hospitalized patients. The document also addresses how telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss, may result from COVID-19 due to either systemic inflammation or the virus directly affecting hair follicles. Anti-androgen medications are suggested as a potential treatment to hinder the virus's entry into cells. The review concludes that androgen influence on the TMPRSS2 gene is significant in COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment, and that the severity of AGA and hair loss might be indicative of COVID-19 prognosis.