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    You may have heard of “long COVID” – the term used to describe the lingering effects that some people experience after contracting the coronavirus. Now, new research suggests that long COVID may also change your menstrual cycle. Small studies and anecdotal evidence has found that many women who contracted COVID and experience long COVID symptoms may notice several changes to their periods. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, they suggest that long COVID may have far-reaching consequences for women’s health. While we’ve discussed some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s periods, new evidence suggests that long COVID may cause even more disruptions to your cycle. We’ll discuss the evidence in this article.

    If you’re suffering from symptoms, make an appointment with our providers.

    What is Long COVID?

    Woman drinking coffee thinking about how long COVID has affected her menstrual cycle

    Long COVID can cause symptoms for months after infection and might also cause changes to your period.

    Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, is a term used to describe the health effects that people who have had COVID-19 may experience long after they have recovered from the virus. While most people recover from their symptoms after about two weeks, long COVID symptoms can go on for months. Symptoms include:

    • Fatigue
    • Body aches
    • Shortness of breath
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Joint pain
    • Brain fog
    • Ongoing heart and lung issues

    These symptoms generally start with a COVID infection and continue for months, with a small number of people experiencing symptoms for even a year or more.

    Long COVID Might Affect Your Menstrual Cycle

    Many women notice slight changes in their periods after a COVID-19 infection. However, the virus may cause long-term effects on your menstrual cycle. With long COVID symptoms, many women report changes to their periods long after the infection clears up. Obviously, this can be quite concerning for many people. While experts are still studying what long COVID has to do with menstrual changes, many believe it is due to the extra stress on the body, which can affect your periods and hormones.

    As always, keep an eye out for sudden menstrual changes and talk to our providers about concerning changes. For instance, if you bleed for longer than seven days or experience seriously heavy bleeding, it’s often best to seek medical attention. Remember, even though long COVID is an ongoing issue for many people all over the world, there are a variety of ways to manage its effects – so don’t hesitate to reach out for help from our women’s health care providers!

    Long COVID May Affect Period Cycle Length

    Long COVID may change your menstrual cycle length. There are several small studies and anecdotal evidence that show that cycle length changes are pretty common after they contract COVID. This means the cycle may be longer or shorter than normal for the person. These effects may become longer-term for those who experience long COVID symptoms. Scientists are still studying long COVID and its effects on many aspects of our health, so if you’re worried about changes to your cycle length, speak to your doctor for information and advice.

    You May Miss Your Period After COVID

    We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every area of our lives, and it seems like something new is being discovered about it every day. Recently, experts have reported that some women may miss a period after contracting the virus. Some continue to suffer from irregular periods or frequently missed periods if they experience long COVID symptoms. This may be due to immune responses to the coronavirus.

    Long COVID May Affect Your Flow or Increase Clots

    It’s common to notice changes in your menstrual flow or the number of clots during your period when you experience long COVID, sometimes known as long-haul COVID. These changes can include heavier periods or an increase in the number of clots. Some other women notice breakthrough bleeding if they’re on birth control or spotting between periods. In rarer cases, women report their periods are lighter than before contracting the virus. It is important to be aware of any changes you are experiencing and seek medical attention if needed as this can also be an indicator of something more serious going on with your health.

    Long COVID Symptoms May Get Worse Around Your Period

    Long COVID symptoms can be especially challenging to manage if they vary in intensity throughout the month. It is increasingly common for women with long COVID to have worse symptoms around the time of their period. This may mean more intense fatigue and brain fog, as well as worsened breathing, muscle, and joint pain, all of which are common features of long COVID. This may be due to combined symptoms of long COVID and premenstrual symptoms. It may also be that hormone changes throughout your cycle could make long COVID worse.

    What to Do If You Notice Long COVID Symptoms and Changes to Your Period

    If you think you may be suffering from long COVID and menstrual problems, the best thing to do is contact your doctor. Be sure to keep track of your symptoms and provide a detailed account of how long they have been affecting you. Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend any tests or exams required for further evaluation. Changes to your period should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious health conditions.

    Additionally, you might benefit from joining support groups for managing post-COVID effects. You can also reach out to family and friends for assistance as they may be able to provide comfort, listen, and offer advice on how best to cope with the symptoms. Remember, there is no need to go through this alone, so don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

    Women’s Health Care from HerKare

    Long COVID can have a wide range of potential impacts on your health, including your menstrual cycle. If you’re suffering from period changes and other symptoms, book an appointment with your local HerKare clinic today. Our team are here to provide advice and support, helping you not only check up on physical health issues but also offer mental wellbeing support during these tough times. Remember, it’s not just about the physical manifestations of long COVID – look out for changes in mood and sleeping habits too. Above all else seeking professional help is always a smart course of action when it comes to health concerns such as these. Make an appointment today!

    Announcement

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Sridevi Panchamukhi will be discontinuing her affiliation with HerKare. Dr. Panchamoukhi’s last day with HerKare was Monday, March 27, 2023. As a patient you may obtain copies of your medical records or arrange transfer of your medical records to another physician. HerKare Physician Group, PLLC will continue to maintain your medical records. You may reach out to records@synergenx.com to obtain copies of your records. We wish Dr. Panchamoukhi the very best.