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Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Testosterone's Role in COVID-19
Jeremy M Auerbach1, Mohit Khera1
1Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
COVID-19 consistently displays a higher mortality in males. This sex-specific difference in outcomes is seen not only in the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also in prior viral epidemics and pandemics. Sex hormones, such as testosterone, play a clear role in modulating the immune response, providing a clue that may illuminate the underpinnings of these outcomes. Developing a deeper understanding of these epidemiological findings permits a more effective response to the disease. This article summarizes the sex-specific COVID-19 outcomes, the role of androgens in generating these outcomes, and the potential role of modifying testosterone levels as a form of treatment of COVID-19. Auerbach JM, Khera M. Testosterone's Role in COVID-19. J Sex Med 2021;18:843-848.
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