Studies reveal how pandemics affected duration

Covid-19 has a negative effect on menstruation. Many have reported disturbances in the menstrual cycle, some noticed changes after catching the virus, while others changed after vaccination. For some, the turmoil didn’t last, but it was still noticeable. But before trying to determine the cause of these changes, it is important to note that the cycle of people changes.Read again- Ayurvedic experts share three tips on how to manage thyroid problems

It is generally suggested that a predictable 28-day cycle with 5-day bleeding is normal, but this is only an average. For most menstruators, that’s not their reality. In fact, the length, weight, and cycle length of menstrual bleeding all change naturally and vary from person to person, and even from the same person over time. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, cycle length fluctuations of up to 8 days are normal. Read again- Delhi lifts the COVID curb as cases are reduced and private cars are not required to wear masks | Review complete guidelines

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a mixture of hormones and ovaries that are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland of the brain. This is collectively known as the HPG axis. Confusion can interfere with the axis that releases hormones and can affect various aspects of the menstrual cycle, including length and symptoms. Read again- If you have a history of oral cancer, take these five important steps

For example, strenuous exercise and extreme diets can result in no menstruation, which can be undone with increased food intake or less exercise. Therefore, care should be taken when assessing self-reported changes in the menstrual cycle. Other effects may be involved.

Nonetheless, something is happening and the pandemic stress may be a factor. Stress is known to suppress the HPG axis, and previous studies have found a link between stress and irregular menstruation or length of bleeding.

We know that mental health in the UK deteriorated during the first blockade and stress and depression increased. In an online survey, 46% of people said they had changes in their menstrual cycle during the pandemic, such as the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the length of the cycle. Stress is plausible if the cause has not been identified.

However, other pandemic changes can also have an impact. It is known that the increase in weight gain and alcohol consumption reported by many during the pandemic also contributes to the change in the cycle.

How about the vaccine?

Shortly after the COVID vaccine became available, reports began to affect the menstrual cycle. In particular, there were reports that it affected the length of the cycle, both short-term and long-term.

Unfortunately, questions about menstruation have been excluded from many COVID vaccine studies, including trials, so there aren’t many studies on the number of people who have experienced menstrual changes.

However, a few studies have investigated this.

A US study of 4,000 people found that receiving the first vaccine did not affect the timing of the next menstrual bleeding. But after receiving the second, people experienced a slight delay – on average less than half a day. This difference disappeared in the third cycle after vaccination.

Interestingly, those who received two doses in one cycle had an increased cycle length of two days and returned to normal by cycle 3 after vaccination. However, it is difficult to unravel the effects of vaccines from the effects of living over stressful pandemics.
In a Norwegian study of more than 5,500 people, 41% of participants reported menstrual disorders after the second vaccination. But importantly, 38% reported disability before vaccination. The most common symptom is a heavier period than usual.

This suggests that the effects of the COVID vaccine are small if the menstrual cycle is disturbed normally or if the pandemic causes a change in the cycle. These studies not only examine the experiences of people who explain changes in menstruation, but also provide a sense of security that these changes are temporary.

There are several reasons why a vaccine can affect the cycle, such as the body’s immune response to a vaccine that can affect the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Indeed, reports of changes in menstruation after vaccination are not new. In 1913, a New York doctor discovered a link between typhoid vaccine and changes in menstruation. Recent studies have found that short-term changes in the menstrual cycle after HPV vaccination are likely.
With COVID vaccines, if there are changes, these appear to be short-lived and have not been shown to affect childbirth. This should probably be added to what menstruating people are being told to expect from vaccination, so that they can plan to avoid it.

Reporting changes in menstruation as a side effect puts menstruation and reproductive health at the center of medical research for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. This means better data on vaccines and medicines in the future. Anyone in the UK who is experiencing cycle changes is advised to report these to the Yellow Card Scheme, which records potential vaccine side effects.

COVID can also cause change

It has also been suggested that in the face of serious illnesses such as COVID, the body temporarily reduces ovulation (which can affect menstrual bleeding) and diverts energy from reproduction to the fight against infection. I am.
Another cause could be the massive inflammatory effect of COVID on the body, which affects the disturbance of the menstrual cycle.

There is some data to back up the influential COVID. A study comparing the menstrual cycle of 237 patients with COVID with the previous cycle found that 18% of patients with mild illness and 21% of patients with severe illness had a longer cycle than before. rice field.

These changes returned to normal within 2 months of discharge. Therefore, COVID vaccine and coronavirus infections can affect the menstrual cycle, and although not clearly proven, pandemic stress can also. The changes seem to return to normal after a few months, but if you experience new problems with your menstrual cycle or if your cycle changes last for a long time, talk to your doctor.

(With PTI input)