Recent research indicates that women suffering from long Covid experience more severe menstrual issues, including longer, heavier periods and increased bleeding between cycles, which significantly impacts their menstrual health.

However, the study's findings are based on a predominantly white, UK-based sample, highlighting the need for more diverse research to ensure these results are applicable to broader populations.

Moreover, symptoms like dizziness, breathing difficulties, and brain fog tend to be most intense during or near menstruation and tend to improve after ovulation, hinting at possible hormonal or inflammatory connections.

Interestingly, hormone levels such as progesterone and oestradiol appear normal in women with long Covid, suggesting that ovarian function remains unaffected; instead, inflammation and menstrual disturbances are linked to long Covid symptoms.

This research was funded by organizations including Wellcome, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Wellbeing of Women, and UKRI, and was published in the journal Nature Communications.

While the exact causes of long Covid remain unclear, hypotheses include persistent low-level virus presence, immune system misfiring, or disruptions in the gut microbiome.

Women experiencing significant menstrual changes that interfere with daily life are advised to seek medical advice to manage their symptoms effectively.