If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the recent past, there are chances that its after-effects are still visible in your body. One of these lingering health problems post-COVID can manifest itself in the form of menstrual abnormalities. Throughout the pandemic, many women who contracted the virus have complained about experiencing a change in their menstrual cycle either in terms of frequency, duration, or volume.
While some women have reported not getting their periods for a couple of months altogether during post COVID-19 recovery, others have reported feeling extreme pelvic pain while on their period or at any other body part during their cycle. Women have also complained of experiencing heavier flow than usual, also compelling them to take medicine to stop the bleeding. Still some others have complained of extremely scanty flow. Women have also complained about prolonged and severe pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms, despite their periods remaining elusive post recovery from the virus.
Scientists and medical practitioners across the globe are tirelessly attempting to study and understand the virus, its origin, and its after-effects on the human body. And till date, there is no concrete research to suggest the impact of COVID-19 on a female reproductive system. Initial studies undertaken by several health organisations in the world opine that women are at a higher risk of long COVID complications.
While the exact reason why women are experiencing menstrual irregularities post Covid is still being investigated upon and no concrete research about the same has been published yet, there are certain plausible reasons for the same as of now:
COVID-19 by itself is capable enough to put your body through a lot of stress. Stress is proven to increase cortisol levels in your body, which is known to cause disruptions to your menstrual cycle. As a result of which, the oestrogen and progesterone production in the body is hampered, causing your periods to become irregular.
It is no secret that the medicines administered for the treatment of the virus take a toll on your body because of very strong dosages. In extreme cases, a patient would have also had to take steroids to recover from the disease. These strong medicines are linked to causing temporary changes in your menstrual cycle.