TLDR Male hormones like testosterone may make COVID-19 worse, and testing for sensitivity to these hormones could help predict how severe a patient's symptoms might be. Treatments that reduce these hormones are being explored.
The mini-review "Sex differences in COVID-19: the role of androgens in disease severity and progression" suggests that androgens, like testosterone, may facilitate the entry of the SARS-CoV2 virus into host cells by promoting the transcription of Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a protein used by the virus for entry. Variants in the androgen receptor gene, associated with conditions like androgenetic alopecia and prostate cancer, have been linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes. The paper concludes that androgen sensitivity could be a key factor in determining COVID-19 disease severity, and sensitivity tests might help predict patient outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring androgen suppression therapies as a potential COVID-19 treatment, but these preliminary results should be interpreted with caution.
119 citations,
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,
May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
71 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
134 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
195 citations,
July 2005 in “American Journal of Human Genetics” Genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene mainly causes early-onset hair loss, with maternal inheritance playing a key role.
186 citations,
July 1998 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Shorter CAG repeats may cause hair and skin issues, while longer ones may link to acne.
71 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
47 citations,
January 2021 in “Fertility and Sterility” COVID-19 might affect male fertility, but more research is needed to understand the full impact.
6 citations,
December 2020 in “Dermatological reviews” COVID-19 may worsen with androgens; anti-androgen drugs could help.
123 citations,
May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
5 citations,
December 2021 in “Physiological Research” 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.
