According to a new study, Covid may cause minor or transitory alterations in menstrual cycle duration in women. Researchers note that these alterations are small and usually resolve in the next menstrual cycle.
The study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, used Clue, a menstrual and reproductive health platform, to analyze menstrual cycle data from over 6,000 people in 110 countries.
The study says…
Unvaccinated Covid illness patients had a 1.45-day increase in menstrual cycle duration.
The Covid-vaccinated cohort showed similar increases. Both cohorts saw alterations resolve in the first cycle after immunization or sickness.
These findings aren’t surprising because the immune and reproductive systems interact, but they should validate the public’s experiences and reassure them that flow changes during or after Covid infection are likely to be small and temporary.
Oregon Health & Science University Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Blair Darney, said, “Menstrual changes might scare people. We want this research to reassure them that these changes are not usually a concern on a population level.”
Researchers suggest that Covid may temporarily activate an immunological response, but because menstrual cycle duration and bleeding patterns vary naturally, it is difficult to isolate Covid as the single reason.
The study did not focus on long-Covid patients, according to the researchers.
Physician-scientists recommend consulting a doctor for persistent menstrual changes.
Researchers will use cycle-tracking app data to study other reported menstruation abnormalities after immunization, such as missing periods, sudden vaginal bleeding, and discomfort.
Conclusion:-
In Obstetrics & Gynecology, Covid was shown to temporarily modify women’s menstrual cycles. Clue, a menstrual and reproductive health platform, analyzed data from 6,000 people in 110 countries. Unvaccinated Covid illness patients had a 1.45-day menstrual cycle increase, whereas vaccinated groups had similar increases. The first cycle following vaccination or illness resolved abnormalities in both cohorts. The findings should verify public experiences and comfort them that flow abnormalities during or after Covid infection are likely to be minor and transitory. For chronic menstruation disturbances, physician-scientists urge seeing a doctor. The study did not include long-Covid users. Missing periods, abrupt vaginal bleeding, and pain following vaccination will be studied using cycle-tracking app data.
