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COVID19 and Hormonal Imbalance: Why Testing is Important?




The COVID19 crisis continues as the world is still held captive by the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As this crisis unfolds, more research continues to elucidate the mechanisms by which COVID19 wreaks such havoc on its victims. For the most part, research has been focused on the effects of the virus on the respiratory system, and with good reason, since COVID19 primarily causes respiratory infections.

 

But, as more cases are discovered and more research continues, it is clear that COVID19 has a more systemic and  significant effect on other systems of the body as well, namely the endocrine system.

 

Does COVID19 cause hormonal imbalance?

 

Hormonal imbalance can be defined simply as a malfunction of production and/or secretion of one or more hormones in the body whether it be too little hormone produced and/or secreted or too much. The human endocrine system needs to work within a delicate balance for it to function optimally and a hormonal imbalance destroys that delicate homeostasis. Research shows that COVID19 can contribute to significant hormonal imbalance. For instance, there is an interesting case study in which a relatively healthy 18 year old woman presents to her physician for a fever and neck pain radiating down her jaw 15 days after a positive COVID-19 oropharyngeal swab.

 

Her case of COVID19 was mild and she had recovered showing no further symptoms of a COVID19 infection. Physical exam revealed an increased heart rate and a painful enlarged thyroid. Lab testing showed elevated FT3 and FT4 along with increased inflammatory markers and elevated white blood cells. FT3 is free triiodothyronine or triiodothyronine that is unbound to thyroxine-binding globulin allowing it free circulation in the bloodstream. FT4 is free thyroxine which is also unbound and circulated freely in the bloodstream. T3 is the most metabolically active of the two hormones and is created directly from T4 by deiodination in the peripheral tissues [1]. Due to physical presentation and lab analysis, the patient was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis secondary to a COVID19 infection [2].

 

The thyroid isn’t the only endocrine gland that COVID19 has been shown to effect. The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily enters the cell through attaching to ACE2 which is also expressed in the pancreas, testis, adrenal, and pituitary glands [3]. For example, research shows that elevated cortisol, which is secreted by the adrenal glands, is associated with a greater chance of fatality when experiencing a COVID19 infection [4]. An increased cortisol response is essential during a time of bodily stress, like an infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus, because, in physiologically normal amounts, it helps produce useful changes in metabolism and the immune system, often acting as a short term anti-inflammatory.

 

While the significance of this finding is not yet clear, it could be that increased cortisol levels lead to a greater depression of the immune system allowing for a COVID19 infection to continue without much resistance. Further more cortisol has been shown to have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects in humans [5]. We can only hope that in time, more research will tell.

 

It is becoming increasingly clear that a COVID19 infection is often more severe in men than women. 

Why is that?

 

Research suggests that is due to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of 17-β-estradiol and progesterone [6], primarily female sex hormones. For example, 17-β-estradiol has been shown to inhibit the IL-6 inflammatory response resulting in inhibited NF-κβ transcription and decreasing overall inflammation [7]. Progesterone has also been shown to inhibit NF-κβ activation thereby decreasing inflammation [8] which can help to mitigate the effects of a COVID19 infection.

 

There is also some preliminary evidence suggesting that men with lower testosterone, the male sex hormone, levels had more severe COVID19 outcomes and a greater chance of fatality [9]. Since testosterone levels can decrease with age [10], it is extremely important for older males to monitor their testosterone levels regularly. Clearly, having an optimally functioning endocrine system and balanced hormones is essential, not only for everyday health, but in the unfortunate age of COVID19.

 

How then is hormonal imbalance discovered?

 

While symptoms can be indicative of a hormonal imbalance, the only definitive way to know if   a hormonal imbalance is present is through hormone testing. AYUMETRIX offers comprehensive, innovative, accurate, and affordable hormone testing that monitors hormone health. With a number of thorough lab panels for men including testosterone, women including both estradiol and progesterone, adrenal health including cortisol, and thyroid health including FT3 and FT4, AYUMETRIX is the leader in hormone testing. A blood sample can be conveniently collected at home through a simple finger prick and sent to the lab for analysis. Both physicians and patients should be aware of the delicate balance of hormonal health and the potential interplay with a COVID19 infection.

 

For more information about the importance of hormones, the many important roles they play in human physiology, and how hormonal imbalance can affect health and well-being please visit ayumetrix.com or contact info@ayumetrix.com

 

 

Candace Mathers, ND, MSAc

 

References

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5113291/

2.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32436948/

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7195612/

4.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7302794/

5.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3186928/

6.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32730568/

7.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26394816/

8.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25080336/

9.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32436355/

10.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4816459/


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