A recent study involving over 12,000 volunteers in the UK has established a significant connection between long COVID and disruptions to the menstrual cycle. This research highlights a concerning feedback loop, where long COVID symptoms may not only impact menstruation but also be exacerbated by menstrual issues. The findings, published in Nature Communications, shed light on the need for tailored treatments for individuals experiencing these intertwined health challenges.
Researchers, led by gynecologist Jacqueline Maybin from the University of Edinburgh, surveyed 1,048 individuals with long COVID, 1,716 individuals who had experienced acute COVID-19, and 9,423 controls who never contracted the virus. Participants provided details regarding their menstrual cycles, revealing substantial changes among those with long COVID. Reports indicated increased menstrual flow volume, extended periods lasting over eight days, intermenstrual bleeding, and missed menstruation episodes in this group compared to those without COVID-19.
The research indicates that menstrual symptoms may intensify the experience of long COVID. Patients reported heightened long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive issues, particularly two days prior to their menstrual periods, and these symptoms persisted throughout the duration of their cycles. The study suggests that hormonal fluctuations and inflammatory responses during menstruation could contribute to these exacerbated symptoms.
To investigate potential biological mechanisms, researchers analyzed blood serum and endometrial tissue samples from ten individuals with long COVID, contrasting them with samples from healthy controls. The results indicated that endometrial inflammation and hormonal disruption could be pivotal in understanding the menstrual disturbances associated with long COVID. Notably, ovarian function remained normal among the participants.
The implications of this research are significant. The authors suggest that the observed association between long COVID and abnormal uterine bleeding may stem from increased androgen levels and altered endometrial inflammatory responses during menstruation. They emphasize the necessity for further investigations into these relationships, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by both long COVID and menstrual irregularities.
“This study provides evidence of an association between long COVID and abnormal uterine bleeding that may be the result of increased androgens and an altered endometrial inflammatory response at menstruation,” the researchers stated. They also noted a correlation between the severity of long COVID symptoms and the late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, characterized by a rapid decline in progesterone levels, potentially linked to increased cytokine production during this time.
As the research landscape continues to evolve, these findings could pave the way for enhanced understanding and management of long COVID’s diverse effects on health, particularly concerning menstruation.
