Testosterone in COVID-19: Foe, Friend or Fatal Victim?
January 2020
in “
touchREVIEWS in Endocrinology
”
TLDR Testosterone may both worsen and protect against COVID-19 effects in men.
The editorial examined the multifaceted role of testosterone in COVID-19, noting that men had higher incidence and mortality rates, possibly due to testosterone facilitating viral entry via the TMPRSS2 enzyme. Low testosterone levels, often seen in men with conditions like diabetes and obesity, might worsen outcomes by increasing inflammation and thrombosis. Conversely, testosterone could also offer protection by reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. COVID-19 might affect testosterone production by impacting the testes. The editorial emphasized the need for more research to understand testosterone's role in COVID-19, especially given the potential for therapeutic interventions to improve testosterone levels and clinical outcomes.