Purpose of review
Given governmental policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic include various foci on establishing
preventive measures to increase the health and constitution of populations (i.e. through renewed efforts to
tackle obesity), the use of androgens in a recreational manner requires attention because of existing
medical evidence related to their role in immunosuppression.

Recent findings
Whilst a broad body of work exists that outlines the mechanisms that underpin COVID-19 and public
health responses, as well as the use of androgens in both recreational and medicinal contexts, the recent
nature of the disease has left an area requiring greater investigation and clarification. There is emerging
literature that highlights the potential complications that existing androgens use may bring to those infected
with COVID-19, as well as the start of empirical evidence detailing this.

Summary
In this article, we outline the latest viewpoints and literature related to how the use of androgens may
contribute to less robust immunoresponses.