Effects of Long COVID on Menstruation

Many a time, women suffering from long COVID and who keep experiencing COVID-19 symptoms months after the disease should have abated have been complaining that it has also impacted their menstrual cycles.

Social media and dedicated support groups are rife with complaints from people suffering from long COVID, talking about how this protracted illness has impacted their menstrual cycles, further affecting their quality of life.

So how does long COVID impact your periods? What effect does it have on your menstrual health? Read on and find out.

A survey was carried out in 2022 among six people who had long COVID symptoms and who had been experiencing disruptive changes to their menstrual cycle to find out more.

Most of the people spoken to mentioned that ever since they contracted COVID-19, they have been experiencing irregular periods, unusual clotting of their period blood, or worsened premenstrual syndrome.

While everyone who had been spoken to had experienced some changes to their menstrual cycle, such disruptions varied. According to one contributor, she reported having irregular periods after developing COVID-19 a few months ago. She noticed an almost immediate change in her menstrual cycle after becoming ill with COVID-19.

Together with other symptoms of long COVID, the impact on their menstrual cycles has made a difference in the way women live their lives. There have been mentions of excruciating periods and other debilitating Post Menstrual Syndrome symptoms.

Some women have reported that the changes to their periods have impacted them mentally because they’re always worried about clots and complications. Having said that, the long COVID relapses have been quite exhausting.

Having long COVID makes these women feel as if they have PMS all the time. Because of long COVID, they’re also a lot more sensitive and aware of emotional ups and downs that they did not have before.

Some women believe that the blood loss that has come with heavier and more unpredictable periods can cause other conditions like anemia.

Yet others believe that the changes noticed in their menstrual cycle gave rise to worries about reported links between COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications. They started taking a low dose of aspirin, which can reportedly help prevent strokes in women.

A lot of women might notice slight changes in their periods post a COVID-19 infection. The virus might cause long-term effects on your menstrual cycle.

This can be quite disconcerting for many people. Experts are still studying what long-term COVID does to menstrual changes. Many believe that the extra stress on the body disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (essentially, the hormonal system that the brain uses to speak to the ovaries), which affects periods and hormones.

Women would do well to keep an eye out for sudden menstrual changes. If you bleed longer than seven days or experience heavy bleeding, seek medical attention. Long COVID is an ongoing issue for many people worldwide, but there are ways to manage its effects.

Impact on Period Cycle Length

Long COVID may impact your menstrual cycle length. Anecdotal evidence shows that cycle length changes are quite common after contracting COVID-19. This implies that the cycle might be longer or shorter than normal. Which, when taken into account for long COVID, might become longer-term.

You Could Miss Your Period

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every area of our lives. According to some experts, women might miss a period after contracting the virus. Some suffer from irregular periods or frequently missed periods if they contract long COVID This could be because of an immune response to COVID-19.

Changes in Flow or Increased Clots

While it is common to notice changes to your menstrual flow or the number of clots during your period, when you experience long COVID, such changes, like heavier periods or an increase in the number of clots, might indicate something more serious is going on with your health. Don’t ignore symptoms—get them checked as soon as possible.

If you believe that you might be suffering from long COVID and menstrual problems, contact your doctor. Ensure that you keep track of your symptoms and give a detailed account of their duration.

Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend any tests or exams for further evaluation. If your period changes, always get it evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious health concerns.

Try joining some support groups to manage post-COVID effects. Try reaching out to family and friends, as they can provide comfort and proffer advice on how to best cope with symptoms. The last thing you should do is go through this alone - don’t hesitate to seek help if required.

How does long COVID affect menstrual cycles?

Long COVID can lead to irregular periods, changes in cycle length, heavier bleeding, and increased clotting.

Can long COVID cause missed periods?

Yes, some women suffering from long COVID report missed periods or irregular cycles. This could be due to an immune response or hormonal disruptions caused by the virus.

Are changes in menstrual flow a serious concern for women with long COVID?

While changes in menstrual flow, such as heavier bleeding or more clots, are common, monitoring any significant or prolonged changes is important.

What should I do if I notice changes to my menstrual cycle after contracting long COVID?

If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle, it's essential to keep track of your symptoms and consult with your healthcare provider.

How can I manage the impact of long COVID on my menstrual cycle?

Managing long-term COVID symptoms alongside menstrual changes may involve lifestyle adjustments, such as tracking symptoms, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and seeking support from healthcare providers or support groups.