Coronavirus deaths: Female hormone progesterone can save men, study

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many lives to a standstill. The cases of coronavirus are increasing again across several states in the country including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. On Monday, India reported 46,951 fresh cases, which is the highest daily spike of 2021 and the death toll from the infection has jumped to 160,003.

Multiple studies have shown that the deadly virus has killed more men than women. However, researchers have recently discovered that this outcome can be improved by injecting a female sex hormone dubbed progesterone into men.

As per the study published in the journal Chest, progesterone is actually produced by both men and women, but women produce larger quantities of it during their reproductive period. And injecting the hormone in men can reduce their risk of death.

The study looked at 40 male patients who had been hospitalised with moderate to severe COVID-19 cases and split them into two groups.

Group one was the control sample group that was offered standard medical care at the time of infection. Another group was given an additional 100-milligram injection of progesterone twice every day for five days while they were hospitalised.

Both the groups were observed till they were fit to be discharged from the medical facility. On the seventh day, each patient was ranked out of seven points with seven being not hospitalised and one meaning death.

It was found that as compared to the control group, the group that was given hormone treatment scored 1.5 points on average higher. This group also saw fewer days of hospitalisation overall and a lower need for supplemental oxygen and ventilation.

Though there was not a significant difference between both the categories.

There is no harm in trying hormone treatment as there are no side effects. Two patients didn't survive the 15 day study period, one from each group.

As per the researchers, progesterone is known to possess certain anti-inflammatory properties, which could have shortened the often fatal 'cytokine storms' that can be dangerous for many.

Though the findings encourage using progesterone to treat men with COVID-19, the study had limitations. A further study on a large scale, which includes a more heterogeneous population is necessary to confirm the findings.