Hormonal Trends in Patients Suffering from Long COVID Symptoms
January 2022
in “
Endocrine journal
”
serum cortisol free thyroxin FT4 serum growth hormone dysosmia dysgeusia serum thyrotropin TSH subclinical hypothyroidism SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers plasma adrenocorticotropin ACTH cortisol thyroxin growth hormone smell disorder taste disorder thyroid-stimulating hormone hypothyroidism COVID-19 antibodies adrenocorticotropic hormone
TLDR Long COVID patients may have hormonal imbalances linked to their symptoms.
This study conducted at Okayama University Hospital analyzed medical records and laboratory data of 186 patients who visited the outpatient clinic for long COVID from February to December 2021. The research aimed to investigate the hormonal profiles associated with long COVID symptoms. The results showed that patients with general fatigue had higher levels of serum cortisol and free thyroxin (FT4), and lower levels of serum growth hormone. Those with dysosmia/dysgeusia had significantly lower serum cortisol levels. Additionally, patients with a history of severe COVID-19 had higher serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels and lower FT4/TSH ratios, indicating potential subclinical hypothyroidism. The study also found that patients with higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers had decreased plasma adrenocorticotropin to serum cortisol ratios. These findings suggest that hormonal imbalances may contribute to the persistent symptoms experienced by long COVID patients.
