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.
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
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2026
How well do SSRIs treat PMS?
Cohort study, 2026
Is PMS becoming more common and more disabling worldwide?
Systematic review, 2026
Are hormone levels different in women with PMS?
Systematic review, 2026
Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms?
Systematic review, 2026
Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?
Randomised trial, 2025
Do essential oils reduce PMS symptoms?