TLDR COVID-19 might worsen symptoms and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia, possibly due to inflammation and metabolic disturbances in the prostate gland. More research is needed to confirm this.
The systematic review, which analyzed 52 papers, suggests that COVID-19 may exacerbate symptoms and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, may infect the prostate gland by binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading to inflammation and metabolic disturbances. This process could worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and BPH. The review also highlights the potential role of androgens, noting that COVID-19 may be androgen-mediated and that males with androgenic alopecia could be at greater risk of severe COVID-19. The document suggests that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride, may reduce COVID-19 symptoms. However, the review concludes that more research is needed to confirm whether COVID-19 is a risk factor for BPH progression and symptom exacerbation.
Cited in this study
9 / 9 results
36 citations
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April 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may reduce COVID-19 symptoms in bald males.
119 citations
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August 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.
12 citations
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July 2020 in “Medical hypotheses” Men on 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors might have worse COVID-19 outcomes.
19 citations
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May 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Dutasteride works better than finasteride for hair loss, with both being safe to use.
9 citations
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November 2011 in “Cytokine” Finasteride helps reduce lung inflammation and damage after trauma and infection.
18 citations
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November 2007 in “Annals of Surgery” Finasteride reduces inflammation and improves immune response after trauma by altering hormone levels.
408 citations
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May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dutasteride more effectively lowers DHT levels in men with enlarged prostates than finasteride.
1707 citations
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December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.
109 citations
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April 2000 in “European Urology” Finasteride lowers risk of urinary issues and surgery by over 50% in 4 years.
