ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim: To understand the effects of COVID-19 infection on gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones in males. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: This is a cohort study conducted in fifty males, who had been previously infected with COVID-19 with normal hormonal profile. Fifty Iraqi males were attending the male clinic at Higher Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, diagnosed with standard methods. The assessment of serum hormonal levels including (FSH, LH, Prolactin and Testosterone) was done 3 times: 1st time after one-month post recovery after COVID-19, 2nd time after 2 months post recovery and 3rd time - after 3 months post recovery. RESULTS: Results: There was no significant change in the mean level of serum FSH during the first, second and third months (p = 0.630). LH serum level was highly significantly reduced during follow up (p< 0.001). Serum prolactin level, reduced significantly during follow up (p< 0.001). Serum testosterone level was the lowest in the first month and increased during the second month and then during the third month in a highly significant manner (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Sub-clinical hypogonadism may be suspected as a consequence of COVID-19 infection in males as its first presentation characterized by increased LH & decreased testosterone production.