From Infection to Imbalance: The Endocrine Puzzle of Long COVID

Apurva Sudesh Abitkar, Divina Mariya Puthooran, Athiyya Kutbudeen, Noorain Shiza, Drishti Rathod, Prithviram Bala

Abstract


Long Covid (or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection) can have serious health consequences, and is a condition in which those who have survived the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to experience a variety of symptoms weeks or months later.
This paper focuses on the impact of long covid in dysregulation of Hormones and Endocrine system
In recent studies have shown transformation of several hormonal axes in individual with Long covid:

1. Hypothalamic- Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
Low cortisol and adrenal insufficiency which causes dizziness, fatigue and decrease in blood pressure
2. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis
Low testosterone in men and irregular menstrual cycle in female leads to fatigue, irritation, erectile dysfunction, late menarche and early menopause
3. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Imbalance
Diabetes insipidus causing excessive urination and dehydration
4. Hyperthyroidism
inflammation followed by Hypothyroidism and damage to the gland.
5. Chronic illness symptoms
due to decreased T3 levels slow metabolism and lead to lethargy and slow metabolism
6. Blood sugar fluctuation
SARS-CoV-2 infect pancreatic beta cells and leads to the rise of Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1&2) and also Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia.

These hormonal shifts may also contribute to the chronic symptoms of Long COVID, especially widespread fatigue. The complete and thorough knowledge of these endocrine manifestations is needed to promote therapeutic approaches, better diagnostic protocols, and effective management strategies for patients with Long COVID.


Keywords


Long COVID, Endocrine Dysregulation, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Cortisol Dysfunction, Thyroid Disorders, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Dysregulation, Post-Viral Endocrinopathy, SARS-CoV-2, Hormonal Imbalance

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v49.2.7098

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