Hormone Therapy in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Sung Wook Choi1, Juhee Kim1, Jae Hoon Lee2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Insights

This review examines female hormone therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting insufficient evidence for individualized gynecological care, especially for older women. It synthesizes current research to guide clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global health, including reproductive health.
  • COVID-19's systemic impact necessitates careful consideration in patient management, particularly for vulnerable populations like those over 50.
  • Existing evidence on hormone therapy in gynecology during the pandemic is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and summarize current research on female hormone therapy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To provide a reference for clinical application of hormone therapy in gynecology during the pandemic.
  • To address the gap in high-quality evidence for individualized patient management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing studies on COVID-19 and female hormone therapy.
  • Analysis of clinical data and research findings related to gynecological care during the pandemic.
  • Synthesis of evidence to assess the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.

Main Results:

  • The pandemic has raised concerns about hormone therapy's safety and efficacy.
  • Evidence for specific recommendations on hormone therapy in gynecology remains insufficient.
  • Older women with COVID-19 require special attention regarding hormone therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Further high-quality research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for female hormone therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Individualized management strategies are crucial for gynecological patients on hormone therapy.
  • This review serves as a foundational resource for clinicians navigating this complex area.

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