Survey study, 2026
Does COVID-19 infection or depression affect menstrual periods?
Yes, clearly. Both COVID-19 infection and moderate to severe depression were linked to menstrual changes. About 38% of the female students experienced menstrual dysfunction.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 1,671 female university students from Russia, Georgia, and Uzbekistan. Researchers grouped students by COVID-19 status and vaccination status, then examined menstrual changes.
What they found
38% experienced menstrual dysfunction. Extended menstrual cycle was most common (25% with COVID-19, 22.4% in control group). Increased menstrual pain was second (20.2%, more common with COVID-19). Increased PMS symptoms was third. Increased menstrual blood loss was fourth (11.3%, more common after COVID-19). COVID-19 confirmed by testing and depression were linked to dysfunction; vaccination appeared protective.
What it means for you
COVID-19 and depression appear linked to menstrual changes in university-aged women, with extended cycle being the most common change. This shows associations but cannot prove cause and effect. The sample is from Russia and neighboring countries, so findings may not apply everywhere.
1,671
female students
38%
with menstrual dysfunction
25%
extended cycle with COVID-19
About the study
- Original title
- Coronavirus infection and depression as predictors of menstrual dysfunction in female students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Authors
- Горбачева Т. И., Mariya Gennadevna Nikolaeva, Alexander E. Stroganov et al.
- Journal
- Russian Bulletin of Obstetrician-Gynecologist
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,036
- What was tested
- Observational comparison by COVID-19 status and vaccination
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.17116/rosakush20262602129
Topics
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