A recent American study has highlighted the existence of a link between the risk of being hospitalized for a severe form of Covid-19 and low testosterone levels in men.
- Covid-19 is an infectious disease that can manifest itself through various symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue). In a majority of cases, infected patients develop mild to moderate forms without the need for hospitalization.
- During puberty, testosterone promotes the occurrence of certain specific male characteristics such as the development of the male genitalia and muscles or the appearance of libido.
Mainly made by the male testicles, testosterone is a hormone from a group of hormones called androgens. This hormone plays a key role in the proper functioning of the body, but different factors can cause a drop in testosterone. This is particularly the case for fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass or a drop in mood associated with depression.
Low testosterone levels could be a risk factor in severe forms of Covid-19
A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, observed a link between men with low testosterone levels and the risk of being hospitalized for an acute form of Covid-19. To reach these conclusions, scientific teams from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Saint Louis University School of Medicine (United States) analyzed the cases of 723 patients who tested positive for coronavirus between 2020 and 2021. 427 patients had normal testosterone levels, 116 had low levels and 180 previously had low levels but were on hormone replacement therapy when infected. They therefore had normal testosterone levels.
According to the results, men who had low testosterone levels and who had been affected by Covid-19 were 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to men with normal hormone levels. In the eyes of scientists, a low level of testosterone could be a risk factor for severe forms of coronavirus in the same way as certain comorbidities (heart and lung diseases).
Substitution treatments that would increase the risk of prostate cancer
“Having low testosterone is very common. Up to a third of men over the age of 30 have it. Our study draws attention to this important risk factor and the need to address it as a strategy to reduce Covid-19 hospitalizations”, explained Abhinav Diwan, professor of medicine at the University of Washington and co-author of the study. Testosterone replacement therapy is usually prescribed when a man’s quality of life is severely impaired.
However, these treatments could increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. “If they are at really high risk of cardiovascular events then the doctor could tell the patient the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy. The reduced risk of hospitalization from Covid-19 could perhaps be on the list of potential advantages”, completed Professor Abhinav Diwan.
This American study, however, is considered “observational”, in other words it does not prove that increasing testosterone levels could reduce the risk of serious Covid-19 infections. A clinical trial will be required to validate the research findings.