Warning about menstrual disorders, decreased sex drive after having Covid-19

Mar 28, 2022 08:29 GMT+7

Ask: More than 2 months ago, I had 3 vaccinations against Covid-19. After each vaccination, I have menstrual irregularities, sometimes delayed but sometimes heavy. The same situation happened when I got Covid-19. According to the calendar, the time I contracted Covid-19 coincided with my period, but up to now, even though I have recovered from the disease for 2 weeks, I still have not seen it.

Could you please tell me, is there any menstrual irregularity after Covid-19 infection? Is the cause of this situation post-Covid-19? Does this affect sex?

Thank you doctor!

Nguyen Nhu Loan (Dong Da, Hanoi)

Answer:

Hello!

Menstrual disorders during and after Covid-19 are not uncommon. At the post-Covid-19 clinic, Duc Giang General Hospital, many patients complained of delayed menstrual symptoms, menstrual cycle disorders, and menstrual pain.

Currently, researchers are still investigating to estimate the scale of menstrual disorders as well as sexual dysfunction in women.

Not only men, women also have reduced sex drive after contracting Covid-19

According to a study published in Frontiers in endocrinology: 1031 women completed the survey. 441/46% reported a change in their menstrual cycle since the start of the pandemic. 483/53% reported worsening of premenstrual symptoms, 100/18% reported new menorrhagia and 173/30% reported new dysmenorrhea compared to pre-pandemic levels. 72/9% said they missed their period.

Notably, up to 467/45% reported a decrease in sex drive.

This condition is caused by stress and depression that can affect the health and menstrual cycle of women. Stressors can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and may alter gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulation.

Menstrual irregularities also occur secondary to excessive exercise, diet, and calorie restriction.

Treatments such as steroids also affect the hormones and the functioning of the menstrual cycle. There is also a hypothesis that the disease Covid-19 itself may affect the menstrual cycle, scientists are still studying more about these lesions.

A missed period, heavy bleeding, or more pain in the abdomen during the menstrual cycle are symptoms that can be experienced during Covid-19 as well as after Covid-19. When experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to see a specialist doctor soon, try to Eat healthy, lead a scientific lifestyle, stay relaxed and optimistic to overcome post-Covid-19 symptoms.

Dr. Dinh The Tien(In charge of the post-Covid-19 clinic, Duc Giang General Hospital)