TLDR COVID-19 may affect male fertility and women might have better outcomes due to hormonal and immune differences.
The document reviews the potential effects of COVID-19 on gonadal function and the observed differences in disease outcomes between genders. It suggests that COVID-19 may impact the gonads, potentially influencing sex steroids and fertility, with ACE2 expression in testicular cells raising concerns about male fertility. Women seem to have lower susceptibility and mortality rates, possibly due to genetic, hormonal, and immunological factors, and stronger immune responses. Estrogen may regulate ACE2 expression and could be beneficial in COVID-19 treatment strategies. There is no evidence of significant impact on female fertility or vertical transmission from mother to newborn. Men may experience worse outcomes, potentially due to lifestyle habits, comorbid diseases, and biological differences. The document also notes that COVID-19 might affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and suggests monitoring gonad function and fertility in recovered patients. Trials are investigating the role of estrogens and androgen-modulating drugs in treating COVID-19.
113 citations,
July 2020 in “Communications biology” Men, especially older ones with health issues like prostate cancer, may have worse COVID-19 outcomes and could benefit from therapies targeting male hormones.
123 citations,
May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
198 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” The virus was not found in the semen and urine of a man who tested positive for COVID-19.
47 citations,
April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
19 citations,
November 2021 in “Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders” Sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone may affect COVID-19 severity differently in men and women, potentially influencing prevention and treatment strategies.
17 citations,
May 2021 in “Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics” COVID-19 may harm male fertility and damage the reproductive system.
36 citations,
July 2020 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Spironolactone might help protect against severe lung problems in COVID-19 patients.
34 citations,
September 2020 in “BMC Endocrine Disorders” Existing drug dexamethasone may lower death risk in severe COVID-19 cases; more research needed for other drugs.
1 citations,
January 2023 in “Metabolites” Changes in gut bacteria can contribute to the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting metabolism, immunity, and causing inflammation. Treatments may involve adjusting these factors.
