Public health concerns and increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease through androgen use

Crisp, Philippe; Sims, Jamie

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given governmental policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic include various foci on establishing preventive measures to increase the health and constitution of populations (i.e. through renewed efforts to tackle obesity), the use of androgens in a recreational manner requires attention because of existing medical evidence related to their role in immunosuppression. RECENT FINDINGS: Whilst a broad body of work exists that outlines the mechanisms that underpin COVID-19 and public health responses, as well as the use of androgens in both recreational and medicinal contexts, the recent nature of the disease has left an area requiring greater investigation and clarification. There is emerging literature that highlights the potential complications that existing androgens use may bring to those infected with COVID-19, as well as the start of empirical evidence detailing this. SUMMARY: In this article, we outline the latest viewpoints and literature related to how the use of androgens may contribute to less robust immunoresponses.