Many more men are dying from COVID-19 than women. Why is that? – ZME Science
Credit: Pixabay.
According to data from more than 20 countries, men are twice as likely as women to die of COVID-19. In some countries, such as Italy, 70% of deceased coronavirus patients are men. And its not just fatalities, men are also getting severely ill at a higher rate than women, suggesting that being male may be a risk factor in itself. Scientists are still not sure why this is the case but there are some clues, from lifestyle choices to testosterone exposure.
Researchers affiliated with Global Health 50/50, an academic research group, analyzed demographic data on COVID-19 deaths in various countries. Overall, they found that men are between 50% and 80% more likely to die from the coronavirus than women.
Data so far provides no clear pattern in terms of who is more likely to become infected with COVID-19. However, it shows that among confirmed cases, men are consistently dying at a higher rate across countries where data is available, the report reads.
For instance, in China, Spain, and Germany, men represent just under 65% of total coronavirus deaths. There was no country in over 20 included in the analysis where a higher share of women died because of the virus than men.
The CDC has yet to release coronavirus case breakdowns by sex in the US. However, we know that in New York City, there have been 43 COVID-19 deaths for every 100,000 men in the city, compared with 23 such deaths for every 100,000 women.
Im in the emergency room, and its remarkable Id estimate that 80 percent of the patients being brought in are men, Dr. Hani Sbitany, a reconstructive surgeon at Mount Sinai Health Systems who has been treating COVID-19 patients in Brooklyn, told The New York Times. Its four out of five patients.
What can explain this?
Scientists have known for a while that there are some sex differences in immune system function. However, there are also gender-specific risky behaviors (i.e. smoking, alcohol) and social norms that make it difficult to tease apart biology from environmental factors.
This is an important question to answer nevertheless. If there are indeed gender-specific immune responses to COVID-19, effective treatment might require differentiation between men and women.
Estrogen and testosterone might be responsible for important differences in how an individuals immune system responds to coronavirus infections.
Studies on mice show that estrogen supplements increase general immune responses, perhaps because immune cells have estrogen receptors. Another study on mice investigated the effects of the coronavirus that caused the 2003 SARS outbreak, finding that male rodents were more susceptible to the virus. When estrogen was blocked from binding to receptors in female mice, the females fell ill at higher rates.
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, seems to have a suppressive effect on the immune system. Studies show that when men have infections, their testosterone levels decrease. This may be due to the body trying to divert energy away from taxing actions such as muscle building, sexual appetite, and risk-taking behavior.
A 2014 analysis of the immune response to influenza vaccination found that men with high levels of testosterone produced the lowest number of antibodies.
These results demonstrate a strong association between androgens and genes involved in lipid metabolism, suggesting that these could be important drivers of the differences in immune responses between males and females, the authors of this study noted.
Most recently, research suggests that COVID-19 reduces testosterone levels in men by altering the function of the gonads, perhaps increasing disease severity in the process.
However, the role of testosterone becomes complicated once you consider age, which is a major risk factor for COVID-19 for both genders. As men age, their testosterone decreases, but they still get very sick with infections.
In order to really tell the role of testosterone in immune function, an investigation that analyzes both innate and adaptive immunity in a variety of men from different backgrounds would be required. Such an investigation doesnt exist yet.
There are of course behavioral differences between sexes. Smoking is much more prevalent in men than in women, which puts individuals at risk of developing lung cancer, as well as other chronic diseases. In China, 54% of adult men smoke compared to just 2.6% of Chinese women.
Men are also less likely to wash their hands as often as women and are less likely to seek care early when sick. Although there is no study yet to suggest this, men might also be more likely to not wear face masks or use them improperly.
Even before COVID-19, there were important differences in lifespan between men and women. About 57% of all those ages 65 and older are female and by age 85, 67% are women. The average lifespan is about 5 years longer for women than men in the U.S., and about 7 years longer worldwide.
Although the incidence of obesity and old age is generally higher among women, the case fatality rate among infected men with COVID-19 is still higher even when adjusting for these factors, further sowing confusion.
If men are truly more susceptible to coronavirus infections than women, male patients may require different and earlier interventions. During vaccine development, the nuances in male-female immune response would also require consideration.
There is still much to learn, thats for sure.
If men truly are more susceptible to coronavirus infections than women, male patients may require different and earlier interventions. During vaccine development, the nuances in male-female immune response would also require consideration.
There is still much to learn, thats for sure.
Its also worth noting that although there seem to be some sex-specific differences, virtually everyone is at a significant risk of developing very severe forms of COVID-19 men and women, young and old. As a result, everyone should practice great caution as the pandemic unfolds going forward.
Read more:
Many more men are dying from COVID-19 than women. Why is that? - ZME Science
- How to inject Testosterone demonstrated by Dr Robert Carlson [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to do a Testosterone Shot Injection [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How Not To Inject 200mg of Testosterone! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to Inject Testosterone Safely [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: How To Inject Testosterone [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - FDA prescribing information, side effects ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 1.5 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Tongkat Ali - The Natural Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- AJ Tongkat Ali Malaysia - The best natural testosterone booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- SEX On Testosterone Replacement Therapy: WILL I BECOME A BEAST? - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Reviews Does Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Reviews Does GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy Warning - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Do women need testosterone therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Female Pattern Hair Loss, Hirsuitism and Testosterone in Females - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Why I'm CHANGING UP My Testosterone Replacement Therapy! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone vs Estrogen: Bearded Ladies & Guys w/ Shrinking Testes - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- The TRUTH About Testosterone Boosters! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Peter Brooks Does a Commercial for a Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Anabolic Steroids - Steroid .com [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- What are the RISKS vs BENEFITS of Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- When should I get tested for low testosterone? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Diabetic men with low testosterone run higher risk of developing atherosclerosis [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- 1500 Calorie "Testosterone / Mass Gain Shake" (Big Brandon Carter) - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Class Action Testosterone Lawsuit Ocean NJ Poulos LoPiccolo PC - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Prime Male Review - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- Josh's FTM Transition Updates: 10/14/14- 1.5 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- HORRIFYING Side Effects of Testosterone Gel! - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- 4 Months on Testosterone - Updates and Misgendering My Girlfriend - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Testosterone Does In Our Body | Men's Health Doctor Australia - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are Side Effects Of Testosterone Therapy And High Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The DIfferent Types Of Testosterone Replacement - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The Advantages Of Testosterone Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone - Week 12 - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- FTM - Hysterectomy 315 days on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone, the First Hormone to Go - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- 12 Common Low Testosterone Symptoms (Low-T) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Dr. Gidon Frame discusses testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testesterone Therapy Linked to Cardiovascular Issu - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Rhino RX 90 Morning Review - Increased Testosterone Levels To Boost Confidence - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- ACNE FLARE UP & MOOD SWINGS Since Spliting My Testosterone Dosage | TRT Update - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2014]
- Letters to Thailand - The Cost of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in Bangkok - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- WEIRD TRICK TO BOOST TESTOSTERONE! - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Q&A - Episode 1 | Abs, Meal Timing, and Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- News 8 panel discusses the benefits of testosterone therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Oct 2014 update 9mo. On testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Symptoms of Low Testosterone | Increase Testicle Size | Boost Libido | Naturally Increase Low Testos - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Alpha Man Pro Testosterone Get Your FREE Bottle Today! - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- Luke | 2 Weeks on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- 2 WEEKS ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- testosterone supplements - FREE Trial - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2014]
- Getting Testosterone From Your Doctor? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor | Dr George Forgan-Smith - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- FTM Testosterone--Then and Now | Cayden Carter - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2014]
- 287 days on Testosterone | Fridays with Julian - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Andreas Cahling - posing to raise testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Have I Ever CHEATED On My Testosterone Replacement Therapy Dose? - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Date Warp [7] Too Much Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Testosterone: by AnythingButFemale - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- CAN MY WIFE GET PREGNANT if I'm on Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Voice 6 months on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 2 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Prostate Cancer-Symptoms,Causes And Natural Treatment Options For Men - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- 1 MONTH ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Alpha JYM Has Redefined The Testosterone-Booster Category - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Luke | 1 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Eat Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- 2 MONTHS ON TESTOSTERONE - FTM 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Quick Updates and my journey to taking testosterone. - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- I'm Too EMBARRASSED to Start Testosterone Replacement Therapy... - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- "Low T" Testosterone Therapy Heart Risk Lawsuit - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Key Reason Why Women Need Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2014]
- 9 Months On Testosterone - FTM Update - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Healthy Living Series on Low Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Gladstone Barret -Low Testosterone Levels - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]