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
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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.
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May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
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June 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.
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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.
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
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January 2021 in “Fertility and Sterility” COVID-19 might affect male fertility, but more research is needed to understand the full impact.
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December 2020 in “Dermatological reviews” COVID-19 may worsen with androgens; anti-androgen drugs could help.
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November 2021 in “Viruses” Spironolactone may help reduce COVID-19 severity in men by blocking harmful effects of certain hormones.
123 citations
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May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
