Study, 2022

Does COVID-19 infection affect menstrual cycles?

COVID-19 infection causes menstrual cycle changes in more than half of infected women, though most cycles return to normal within a year.

Moderate study design 350 women of reproductive age hospitalized with COVID-19

What they did

Researchers followed 350 women hospitalized with COVID-19. They asked about changes to menstrual cycles before and after infection and measured stress levels.

What they found

59.1% of women reported changes to their cycles. Of those with flow changes, 78.4% had lighter periods. 37.1% had irregular periods, with 50.8% having delays of 45 to 90 days and some having spotting between periods. 34.28% reported worsening PMS symptoms and 22.44% reported worse period pain. After 1 year, only 17.1% still had irregular cycles.

What it means for you

COVID-19 can cause temporary disruption to menstrual cycles, but most women recover within a year. These findings apply mainly to women sick enough to be hospitalized, so results may differ for milder cases.

59.1%

women who reported cycle changes

78.4%

with flow changes who had lighter periods

17.1%

still with irregular cycles after 1 year

About the study

Original title: Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Menstruation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rajiv K Saxena, Monica Basavaraju, T Meghana
Journal: Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Year: 2022
Study design: Study
Participants: 207
What was tested: COVID-19 infection
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10006-2025

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Dysmenorrhea and period pain Stress Psychotherapy, counselling and education Work and productivity

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