TLDR Women with high androgen levels may have more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
The study investigated the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in hyperandrogenic women, who have elevated androgen levels, often due to conditions like PCOS. It involved 233 SARS-CoV-2 positive women, with 56 being hyperandrogenic and 177 non-hyperandrogenic. After matching for age and BMI, 56 matched pairs were analyzed. Results showed that hyperandrogenic women had a significantly higher incidence of several COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting they may be at increased risk for severe symptoms. The study highlighted the importance of further research and awareness of hyperandrogenism's symptoms to identify high-risk individuals, but it also noted limitations such as a small sample size and the possibility of underdiagnosed hyperandrogenism.
Cited in this study
3 / 3 results
47 citations
,
July 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
56 citations
,
June 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Androgens play a complex role in skin conditions like acne and hair loss in women, and normal blood levels don't always show true androgen status.
62 citations
,
August 2013 in “Steroids” PCOS symptoms change with age; younger women have higher androgen levels and less metabolic issues, while older women face more metabolic challenges despite milder PCOS symptoms.
August 2017 in “Gynecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine” Effective treatment for skin issues in women with PCOS includes oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, and other medications and procedures.
1 citations
,
August 2013 in “Springer eBooks” Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
January 2012 in “The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences” 
3 citations
,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
10 citations
,
November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
