What Is the Connection Between Low Testosterone and COVID-19 Hospitalizations?

What Is the Connection Between Low Testosterone and COVID-19 Hospitalizations?

According to a recent retrospective cohort study, low testosterone levels in men may increase their risk of hospitalization for COVID-19. Conversely, normal testosterone levels in men, (whether due to the body’s natural production of testosterone or testosterone therapy,) may be protective against severe cases of COVID-19.

Male hypogonadism is a medical condition in which the gonads (i.e., the testes in men) do not produce enough testosterone, which leads to low levels of testosterone and symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased sex drive, and changes in mood.

Eugonadism, on the other hand, is the term used to refer to those with healthily functioning gonads. For this study, hypogonadism was defined as a total testosterone concentration below 175 to 300 ng/dL.   

The study involved 723 men: 116 men with hypogonadism, 427 men with eugonadism, and 180 men who were receiving testosterone therapy. All of the men included in the analysis were diagnosed with COVID-19, and the average age of the men was 55 years old.

Of the hypogonadal men, 45% were hospitalized with COVID-19. This percentage was much higher than that of the eugonadal men, of whom just 12% were hospitalized with COVID-19. For the sake of comparison, the median testosterone level for the men with hypogonadism was 131 ng/dL, while the median testosterone level for the men with eugonadism was 381 ng/dL.

Interestingly, the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 went down for the men who were receiving testosterone therapy that brought their testosterone up to normal levels. These men faced a similar risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 as the eugonadal men. Nevertheless, the men who were receiving an inadequate dose of testosterone and were still below normal levels did not see this protective benefit. They still had a higher risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 than the eugonadal men.

Although the researchers made adjustments for potentially cofounding variables such as age, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), immunosuppression, and comorbid conditions, there were still some key differences between the groups of men. In general, the hypogonadal men were older, more likely to have diabetes or another comorbid condition, more likely to have a higher BMI, and more immunosuppressed than the eugonadal men.

These findings suggest that low testosterone may be a risk factor for hospitalization due to COVID-19, perhaps contributing to a decreased ability to recover from such an illness. However, it is too soon to say whether testosterone therapy should be used as a preventative treatment option to guard against severe COVID-19. Therefore, future studies should explore using testosterone therapy as a prevention strategy for hospitalization from this illness.


References:

Dhindsa, S., Champion, C., Deol, E., Lui, M., Campbell, R., Newman, J., Yeggalam, A., Nadella, S., Ahir, V., Shrestha, E., Kannampallil, T., & Diwan, A. (2022). Association of Male Hypogonadism With Risk of Hospitalization for COVID-19. JAMA network open5(9), e2229747-e2229747. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.29747

Monaco, K. (2022, September 2). Low Testosterone Linked to Hospitalization for COVID. Medpage Today. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/100520

Other Popular Articles

What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?

The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.

What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?

Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.

What Is the Average Penis Size?

If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.

What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?

Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.

The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive

You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.

Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.

Find a Provider

Find a provider who specializes in sexual medicine in your area.

FIND NOW
Image