TLDR Men, particularly those with hair loss, are more likely to get the virus, and those with prostate cancer may have milder symptoms. Testosterone's role in the disease is unclear, and the virus doesn't seem to harm male fertility. Women with PCOS might be at higher risk. More research is needed.
The study "Androgens in SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Infections" found that men, especially those with androgenic alopecia, are up to two times more likely to contract the virus than women. Men undergoing androgen deprivation for prostate cancer tend to experience milder virus courses. The study suggests that both high and low androgen levels can influence the progression of the virus, acting as a "double-edged sword". It also mentions that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might have an increased risk of infection, but this is contradicted by other studies. The study concludes that the role of testosterone in the disease course is uncertain, and there's no evidence that the virus can negatively impact male fertility. Further research is needed to understand these relationships.
29 citations
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March 2021 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Testosterone may influence COVID-19 severity and outcomes.
49 citations
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January 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Anti-androgens, like finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone, may lessen the severity of COVID-19 in men, leading to fewer ICU admissions.
29 citations
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October 2020 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Women with high androgen levels may have more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
119 citations
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May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.
123 citations
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May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
71 citations
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
134 citations
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
47 citations
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April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
30 citations
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July 2019 in “Endocrinology” Certain HSD3B1 gene types are linked to worse prostate cancer outcomes and affect treatment response and other health conditions.
18 citations
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June 2019 in “Clinical research in dermatology” Acne can't be cured but can be managed with treatments like benzoyl peroxide and diet changes; it's costly and can lead to scarring and mental health issues.
31 citations
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May 2012 in “European Journal of Dermatology” Menopause affects hair and skin; more research needed for treatment.
Drinking sweetened tea and late bedtimes increase the risk of hair loss in women.
10 citations
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February 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” The document concludes that proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatments are crucial for managing hair diseases, and psychological support for patients is important.
