Hormones and COVID-19

April 2023 in “ Mayo Clinic Proceedings ”

Andrew Elagizi, Carl J. Lavie, Felice L Gersh, James H. O’Keefe

testosterone estrogen estradiol androgen deprivation therapy hormone replacement therapy E2

TLDR Estrogen may help improve COVID-19 outcomes, especially in women.

The document discusses the potential impact of hormones on COVID-19 prognosis, highlighting differences between testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone may influence COVID-19 severity, with men on androgen deprivation therapy showing reduced infection risk and milder symptoms. However, a retrospective study found no significant difference in COVID-19 outcomes related to testosterone therapy. In contrast, estrogen, particularly estradiol (E2), is suggested to play a significant role in enhancing the female immune response, potentially offering benefits in managing COVID-19. The document suggests that E2 supplementation in menopausal women could enhance immune function, supporting survival and health longevity. The findings emphasize the potential of hormone replacement therapy in influencing COVID-19 outcomes, particularly in women.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

Early Antiandrogen Therapy With Dutasteride Reduces Viral Shedding, Inflammatory Responses, and Time-to-Remission in Males With COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Interventional Trial

research Early Antiandrogen Therapy With Dutasteride Reduces Viral Shedding, Inflammatory Responses, and Time-to-Remission in Males With COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Interventional Trial

41 citations , February 2021 in “Cureus”

Dutasteride treatment in men with mild to moderate COVID-19 reduced viral shedding, inflammation, and recovery time without serious side effects.

research 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors Are Associated With Reduced Frequency of COVID-19 Symptoms in Males With Androgenetic Alopecia

36 citations , November 2020 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may reduce COVID-19 symptoms in bald males.

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research Testosterone Therapy for Osteoporosis in Men

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