Scientists have discovered that male sex hormones, known as androgens, which cause hair loss, may also make men more susceptible to severe Covid-19. According to new research, bald men are up to two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer severe symptoms from the virus.
The study suggests that androgens, including testosterone, act as a 'gateway' that boosts the coronavirus's ability to attack cells. This could explain the gender gap in deaths, with men twice as likely to succumb to the disease. The findings could revolutionise treatment and slash mortality rates.
Researchers found that men carrying mutations sensitive to androgens were prone to worse coronavirus symptoms. Similar results were observed in women experiencing hair loss due to androgens. A US team noted that 79% of hospitalised patients had androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, compared to 31-53% in a similar age-matched population.
The condition is linked to variants in a gene called AR, which regulates a protein known as TMPRSS2, implicated in coronavirus. A study of 65 hospitalised men showed those with low CAG levels were at less risk of intensive care admission. Lead author Dr Andy Goren said: 'Our data show longer AR CAG scores are associated with more severe COVID-19 disease.'
Researchers have identified a promising therapy using a novel drug that blocks the androgen receptor. Hormone suppressants currently used to treat prostate cancer and baldness could also help patients fight the virus. The link between baldness and severe symptoms is so strong that experts have called for it to be considered a risk factor.
