---
title: Does COVID-19 infection affect your period and PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, COVID-19 temporarily disrupted periods in 46.4% of women, with more severe illness causing bigger changes. Most women's periods returned to normal by the
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-association-of-the-severity-of-omicron-with-menstrual-and-premenstrual-2024/
---

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- Does COVID-19 infection affect your period and PMS symptoms?

Survey study, 2024

# Does COVID-19 infection affect your period and PMS symptoms?

Yes, COVID-19 temporarily disrupted periods in 46.4% of women, with more severe illness causing bigger changes. Most women's periods returned to normal by the second cycle after infection.

 Early or limited evidence

737 women of reproductive age in China who had COVID-19 and were regularly menstruating

## What they did

737 women of reproductive age in China who had COVID-19, were regularly menstruating before infection, and experienced at least one menstrual cycle after infection completed an online survey about menstrual changes.

## What they found

46.4% had deviations in their first period after infection (mild illness 40.1%, severe illness 55.2%). Main changes were late periods (mild 25.3%, severe 30.4%), shorter menstrual flow (mild 10.4%, severe 14.7%), and decreased flow volume (mild 16%, severe 21.6%). Some women reported worse PMS symptoms after infection, especially with severe COVID. By the second period, most had returned to pre-infection patterns (mild 88%, severe 80.2%).

## What it means for you

COVID-19 can temporarily disrupt your period, with more severe illness causing bigger changes. The good news is these changes are usually temporary, with periods returning to normal within one or two months. Long-term effects on menstrual health are not yet known.

46.4%

had period changes after COVID

55.2%

severe COVID group with changes

88%

returned to normal by 2nd cycle

## About the study

Original title The association of the severity of Omicron with menstrual and premenstrual syndrome among reproductive age women in China: a cross-sectional study Authors Chen N, Zhao X, Wang Y et al. Journal African journal of reproductive health Year 2024 Study design Survey study Participants 737 What was tested None, observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i6.6](https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i6.6)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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