Comparison of testosterone, FSH, LH and E2 hormone levels in infertility suspected males with COVID-19 infection

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Oct 27;102(43):e35256. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035256.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has many adverse impacts on many systems including reproduction. The direct effects of COVID-19 on urogenital system are still open to argue. This study aimed to compare testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) hormone levels in COVID-19 infected male individuals with infertility suspicion.

Methods: One hundred five control (healthy) and 105 COVID-19 infected males aged between 20 to 54 years old were enrolled in the study. All patients were either diagnosed with primary or secondary infertility suspicion. The COVID-19 infection was diagnosed via reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Blood samples from patients were analyzed from the control and COVID-19 group to measure serum testosterone, FSH, LH, and E2 levels. Hormone levels were statistically compared between groups with the Independent T test.

Results: In control and COVID-19 patients, no significance was determined for FSH and LH hormone values. Testosterone hormone were significantly decreased and E2 level was statistically increased in COVID-19 patients compared to that in the control group (P < .001).

Conclusion: COVID-19 is a viral disease that affects organ including gonads. COVID-19 infection decreased testosterone levels and increased E2 levels, which leading to disorders in male and female reproductivity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Estradiol
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male*
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Testosterone
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Estradiol