COVID-19 infection and vaccination can lengthen the menstrual cycle of an individual, a study has found.

The human immune system and reproductive systems are interconnected and severe infections are known to affect the menstrual cycle. Nonetheless, previous studies that evaluated the impact of COVID-19 infection on the menstrual cycle were inconsistent.

“Menstrual health is significantly understudied and underrepresented in research and medicine. This work is essential and crucial to offer answers which might reassure individuals who’re experiencing menstrual changes following a COVID-19 infection,” said Dr. Alison Edelman, a co-author of the study.

For the study, researchers from the University of Montpellier and Oregon Health & Science University used data from a reproductive health app, called Clue, and evaluated the changes within the menstrual cycle of greater than 6,000 participants from over 110 countries.

Participants were divided into three categories: a control group with no history of COVID-19 vaccination or infection, a bunch with participants who’re vaccinated but without COVID-19, and a bunch that had COVID-19 infection (divided further into vaccinated and unvaccinated).

The unvaccinated participants had a 1.45-day increase of their menstrual cycle after experiencing a COVID-19 infection, while participants who received the COVID shot had a 1.14-day increase within the cycle.

A small proportion of participants reported a change within the menstrual cycle of greater than eight days. Nonetheless, the study showed the changes disappeared by the subsequent cycle.

The changes within the menstrual cycle are believed to be on account of the interaction of the virus with the immune system. The team has not done a causative evaluation, although they plan to conduct further studies to explore the cause.

“People need to know when things change and why they modify,” Dr. Edelman said.

The findings provide reassurance to folks that the changes within the menstrual cycle on account of COVID-19 infection and vaccination are temporary, and they’ll soon get back to normal.

“For nearly all of individuals, things get back to normal pretty quickly. And in the event that they don’t, they must be talking to their healthcare provider,” researchers said.

Published by Medicaldaily.com