The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection affects not only the respiratory system but also multiple endocrine organs, leading to a broad spectrum of long-term hormonal disturbances. This narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence on endocrine sequelae after COVID-19, emphasizing pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and implications for patient management. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2020 and October 2025 addressing endocrine or metabolic consequences of COVID-19. The reviewed data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 can impair the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal, thyroid, gonadal, pancreatic, and growth hormone axes through direct viral injury, immune-mediated inflammation, and chronic stress-axis dysregulation. Clinical consequences include secondary adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroiditis, new-onset diabetes, hypogonadism, and menstrual disorders. While many abnormalities appear transient, a subset of patients develop persistent dysfunction requiring long-term follow-up. Tele-endocrinology and digital health solutions have emerged as valuable tools for monitoring endocrine recovery and improving access to care. However, significant research gaps remain, particularly regarding long-term prevalence, reversibility, and mechanisms of endocrine injury. Understanding and addressing these complications will require coordinated, multidisciplinary strategies that integrate clinical endocrinology, public health, and digital innovation.
Katarzyna Bielawska (Sun,) studied this question.