Corona has long since become part of everyday life. Masks, quarantine, vaccinations, rapid tests and the like are now simply part of it. More and more is also becoming known about the long-term consequences of the pandemic. Researchers have now also found a connection between Corona, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Here you can find out everything about the topic and what you can do if you also notice hormonal changes due to the pandemic.
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Corona, menstrual cycle, and menopause – what is known so far
Several studies have investigated the influence of the pandemic on the female menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms. They conclude that the pandemic can worsen or change symptoms. For example, periods can be more painful or last longer. Researchers attribute this to increased stress and not to the coronavirus itself. For example, one study investigated changes in symptoms and psychosocial indicators. Participants who reported increased anxiety, stress, and depressive moods due to the Corona pandemic were also more frequently affected by changes in their cycle and complaints during menstruation or menopause.
This is actually not surprising, as it has long been known that chronic stress can shift the hormonal balance in the body. At the same time, it was to be expected that a lockdown, reduced contacts, and other Corona measures would be stressors. Women are often more affected by these measures, as homeschooling is an additional burden for women in many families. Also, women predominantly work in professions particularly affected by the pandemic.
But what happens to the female body due to increased stress levels? The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis is disturbed by stress. This axis regulates the monthly cycle through a complex interplay of the hypothalamus (brain region), pituitary gland (anterior pituitary), and ovaries. If this regulating axis gets out of balance, ovarian dysfunction can occur. In short: stress influences cycle regulation and can alter menstruation and fertility.
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Are menstrual cycle disorders possible due to the COVID-19 vaccination?
For some people, the Corona vaccination has reduced stress levels, as social contacts are increasingly possible again and more normality returns. This should actually also reduce the effects of COVID-19 on the cycle. However, two studies show changes due to the Corona vaccination itself. In one study, the cycle shifted by an average of slightly less than one day after a second vaccination. The other study shows that menstruation can become heavier. Both menstrual cycle disorders normalized again after a few months. It can therefore be assumed that changes in the period due to the Corona vaccination are possible in the short term, but are only very slight. Especially for women who are trying to get pregnant, hormonal balance is crucial, and even small shifts can cause difficulties. You should discuss with your doctor whether a vaccination makes sense for you.
What you can do if Corona changes your cycle
Have you also noticed that your menstruation has recently become heavier, shifted, or changed? A common cause is stress. Regardless of whether this was triggered by the pandemic or by other influencing factors, you should do something about it. Try one of our tips to reduce stress in everyday life:
- Go offline more often
- Active relaxation
- Nutrient-rich diet
- Perspective matters
- Healthy sleep
You can find out how to implement these tips here → 5 tips for more relaxation
Diet has a double effect on increased menstrual cycle disorders due to Covid-19. On the one hand, a healthy diet supplies the body with sufficient nutrients. Magnesium, in particular, should be mentioned here. It ensures relaxed muscles and can thus alleviate symptoms. On the other hand, diet can indirectly influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. This is because certain hormones such as leptin and insulin act on this axis. Both hormones are related to diet. A healthy diet could thus contribute to a normal period and better fertility.
But in addition to diet, there are other natural remedies that can help you with menstrual cycle disorders and also during menopause. Medicinal plants such as chaste tree, red clover, or wild yam extract have been used by women for centuries to treat these complaints. They are said to naturally regulate mood and contribute to inner balance.
Reading tips:
The pandemic becomes an endemic – what that means for women
We have now become quite accustomed to Corona. The virus has become part of our everyday lives. Major restrictions such as lockdowns and school closures are no longer to be expected. Of course, no one knows what will come, but the initial tension and increased stress levels are decreasing. In terms of the mental health of women and thus also for cycle and menopausal complaints, this is a positive step. We should not simply forget the connection between stress and the cycle. Because stressful phases in life await us again and again. The war in Ukraine could cause similar conditions for some women and disturb the hormonal balance. Therefore, pay attention to your body, notice changes, and use our tips for more relaxation. However, if you feel overwhelmed, helpless, or depressed for a long time, a medical consultation is recommended.
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