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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

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The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
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The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
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The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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The potential bidirectional relationship between long COVID and menstruation.

Jacqueline A Maybin1, Catherine Walker2, Marianne Watters2

  • 1Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. jackie.maybin@ed.ac.uk.

Nature Communications
|September 16, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Long COVID is linked to abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and increased menstrual symptoms. Symptom severity fluctuates across the menstrual cycle, potentially due to inflammation, not hormonal imbalance.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Menstrual changes and cyclical symptom variation reported post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Need to investigate links between COVID-19, long COVID, and menstrual health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess COVID-19's association with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
  • Determine if long COVID symptoms vary across the menstrual cycle.
  • Explore potential underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • UK population study comparing menstrual bleeding patterns in long COVID, acute COVID, and never-infected groups.
  • Analysis of long COVID symptom severity across menstrual cycle phases in 54 women.
  • Serum and endometrial tissue analysis for hormonal and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • Long COVID associated with increased menstrual volume, duration, and intermenstrual bleeding compared to uninfected individuals.
  • Acute COVID recovery showed minimal menstrual disruption.
  • Long COVID symptoms peaked during perimenstrual and proliferative phases.
  • Elevated serum 5α-dihydrotestosterone and reduced endometrial androgen receptors in long COVID.
  • Increased menstrual inflammation and immune cell aggregates in endometrium.

Conclusions:

  • Long COVID is linked to AUB, but not impaired ovarian function.
  • Peripheral and endometrial inflammation may drive AUB and long COVID symptom severity.
  • Findings may inform new therapeutic strategies for women with long COVID.