During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers noticed an interesting pattern: men with lower testosterone levels often appeared to have more severe illness.
That led to an important question. Could healthy testosterone levels help protect men from COVID-19?
The answer is more complicated than the headlines suggest.
Research has found an association between low testosterone and worse COVID-19 outcomes, including greater risk of intensive care admission, lung complications, and hospital mortality. However, these studies do not prove that higher testosterone levels prevent COVID-19 or that testosterone treatment can protect someone from the virus.
Let’s take a closer look at what researchers have learned about testosterone and COVID-19.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is an important hormone involved in male reproductive health, muscle maintenance, bone health, red blood cell production, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Testosterone levels naturally vary between individuals and can change with age, illness, sleep, body composition, medications, and other health factors.
When testosterone levels are consistently low and accompanied by relevant symptoms, a healthcare professional may evaluate the person for testosterone deficiency.
What Did Researchers Notice During COVID-19?
Several studies conducted during the pandemic found that men hospitalized with COVID-19 often had lower testosterone levels than men with milder disease.
A systematic review examining 16 studies found that low testosterone was associated with higher rates of intensive care admission, hospital mortality, lung impairment, and longer hospital stays.
Other research found similar patterns. In one study of hospitalized men, lower testosterone levels were associated with greater inflammation and more severe disease.
These findings are interesting, but there is an important distinction between association and causation.
Low testosterone may be a marker of poor health or severe illness rather than the reason someone develops severe COVID-19.
Does Healthy Testosterone Protect Against COVID-19?
There is currently not enough evidence to say that maintaining a particular testosterone level protects a person from COVID-19.
Researchers have proposed several possible explanations for the relationship between testosterone and COVID-19 severity. Testosterone may interact with immune and inflammatory pathways, while severe illness itself can also suppress testosterone production.
A review published in Clinical Endocrinology concluded that the relationship is complex and that low testosterone during acute COVID-19 may partly result from the illness itself.
In other words, the relationship may work in both directions:
Low testosterone → potentially associated with worse outcomes
Severe illness → potentially associated with lower testosterone
This makes it difficult to determine whether testosterone is directly influencing disease severity or simply reflecting how sick someone is.
Can COVID-19 Affect Testosterone Levels?
COVID-19 may also affect male hormone health.
Several studies have reported lower testosterone levels during or following COVID-19 infection. Research following men after hospitalization found that testosterone levels generally increased during recovery, although some men continued to have levels suggestive of testosterone deficiency months later.
This suggests that illness can temporarily affect the body’s hormone system.
However, experiencing low testosterone after an infection does not automatically mean that someone has permanent hypogonadism. Proper evaluation and follow-up testing are important.
What About Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
This is where the distinction becomes especially important.
TRT is prescribed to men with clinically diagnosed testosterone deficiency. It should not be started simply because someone wants to reduce their risk of COVID-19.
A 2025 analysis of more than 5,000 men with hypogonadism from the TRAVERSE trial found that testosterone treatment did not significantly change the risk of developing COVID-19. COVID-19 incidence was similar between men receiving testosterone therapy and those receiving placebo.
So, while healthy testosterone levels are important for overall health, there is currently no evidence that TRT should be used as a COVID-19 prevention strategy.
Why Testosterone Still Matters
The fact that TRT is not a COVID-19 prevention treatment doesn’t mean testosterone health is unimportant.
Men with genuine testosterone deficiency may experience symptoms such as:
- Low energy
- Reduced sex drive
- Changes in mood
- Reduced muscle mass
- Difficulty maintaining physical performance
- Reduced sense of well-being
If these symptoms are present, a healthcare provider can evaluate testosterone levels and look for possible underlying causes.
Treatment decisions should be based on symptoms, appropriate laboratory testing, medical history, and individual health needs.
Maintaining Healthy Hormone Levels
Rather than trying to increase testosterone specifically to prevent COVID-19, focus on habits that support overall health.
These include:
Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep can affect hormone production, energy, mood, and metabolic health.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise can support cardiovascular health, muscle strength, metabolic health, and overall well-being.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight can be associated with lower testosterone levels in some men and may also increase the risk of several chronic health conditions.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Adequate protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals all contribute to general health.
Manage Existing Health Conditions
Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can affect both hormone health and the risk of complications from infections.
When Should You Have Your Testosterone Checked?
If you have ongoing symptoms that may indicate testosterone deficiency, talk with a healthcare professional.
A provider may consider testosterone testing when symptoms and medical history suggest that hormone evaluation is appropriate.
One low test result does not necessarily establish a diagnosis. Testosterone levels can vary depending on the time of day, illness, medications, and other factors, so healthcare providers may recommend repeat testing when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high testosterone prevent COVID-19?
There is no reliable evidence that having high testosterone prevents COVID-19. Research has primarily identified an association between low testosterone and more severe illness.
Does low testosterone increase the risk of severe COVID-19?
Several studies have found an association between low testosterone and worse COVID-19 outcomes. However, this does not prove that low testosterone directly causes severe disease.
Can COVID-19 lower testosterone?
Research suggests that acute illness and COVID-19 may temporarily affect testosterone levels in some men. Levels may recover during the months following infection, although recovery varies.
Can TRT prevent COVID-19?
No. Current evidence does not support using testosterone replacement therapy to prevent COVID-19. A 2025 analysis found no significant difference in COVID-19 incidence between men receiving TRT and those receiving placebo.
Should I take testosterone to protect my health?
Testosterone should only be used when medically appropriate and prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. It should not be started as a preventive treatment for COVID-19.
The Bottom Line
Research has uncovered an interesting connection between testosterone and COVID-19. Men with low testosterone levels have often experienced more severe outcomes, but scientists are still working to understand why.
Low testosterone may be a marker of underlying health problems or severe illness rather than a direct cause of worse COVID-19. At the same time, COVID-19 itself may temporarily affect testosterone production.
For that reason, it’s too early to say that healthy testosterone levels protect against COVID-19 or that TRT can prevent the infection.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, a proper medical evaluation is the best place to start. A qualified healthcare provider can review your symptoms, laboratory results, and overall health and determine whether testosterone treatment may be appropriate.
Looking for TRT Options in Miami?
If you’re researching testosterone replacement therapy in Miami, FL, Semaglutide Near Me can help you explore available medically supervised wellness and hormone-health services.
Contact us today to learn more about your options and schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Testosterone therapy should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. It should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19 unless specifically recommended for an appropriate medical indication.