A study found that more than half of all women saw changes in their periods within the first year after Covid.
Many have had a diminished sex drive.
Researchers from Ireland questioned 1,000 female respondents and concluded that stress related to the pandemic was likely to be the cause.
According to them, the Covid crisis caused an ‘unprecedented psychological strain’ that increased anxiety and depression as well as decreased sleep quality. This has knock-on consequences for reproductive health.
Reports that tens to thousands of UK women are experiencing heavier periods after receiving a Covid jab have been reported by health chiefs. Some women complained about having shorter or longer periods.
A survey of more than 1,000 women by researchers in Ireland found women reported more missed periods, worse pre-menstrual symptoms and a reduced sex drive since the beginning of the pandemic
About one-tenth of women suffer from period problems each year.
Although vaccines and viruses can disrupt the menstrual cycles, experts maintain that they do not affect fertility.
This study will be presented to the Society for Endocrinology at its annual conference in Edinburgh.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin surveyed 1,300 women in April 2021, asking about their menstrual disturbances — including irregular, missed, painful or heavy periods and premenstrual symptoms.
The researchers also collected information about their sleeping quality, anxiety, and depression.
Some 56% said that their menstrual cycles had changed during the pandemic.
The average length of a cycle (28 to 30 days) and period (four to five days) stayed the same — but number of days between the women with the shortest and longest cycles grew significantly.
Nearly two-thirds reported that premenstrual symptoms were more severe, while 54% claimed they experienced a lower sex drive.
These changes were most prevalent in women with poor sleep and mental distress.
The rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in severe cases were nearly twice those of ‘women reproductive age’.
According to researchers, the results of this study indicate that high levels of stress and disrupted sleep may affect menstrual cycles. This is consistent with previous studies.
The researchers found that stress can indirectly suppress the bodily functions of females by preventing the release of sexhormones.
To determine if disruptions continue, academics will conduct an annual survey. The academics will take blood pressure and weight measurements, as well as sex hormone levels.
Michelle Maher (study author) said that the study findings highlighted a need for appropriate mental and medical support for women with menstrual disorders, due to the immense psychological burden.
“This research was done at an early stage in the Covid vaccine programme. Future findings may be affected by the duration of the pandemic or the effectiveness of the vaccine. Further investigation using objective and measurable data will be necessary.
She added: ‘We would encourage women experiencing any reproductive disturbances — such as irregular, missed periods, painful or heavy periods, PMS or reduced sex drive — as well as mental health disturbances — including symptoms of low mood, anxiety, stress and poor sleep — to see their GP for advice.
Imperial College London has also conducted a separate study to monitor the menstrual cycle of 250 women who received their Covid jab.
But lead researcher Dr Victoria Male said the tiny number of participants means the study won’t pick up a potential link unless it is ‘really common’ — affecting more than one in ten women.
One in ten women suffers from period problems every year. It is essential to conduct thorough research to determine if the jab could be responsible.