Long Covid & Menopause

More than two years into the pandemic, researchers are still learning a lot about Covid-19. One of these is long Covid, also known as post-Covid conditions.

These new, ongoing, or returning issues usually occur four weeks or more after the initial infection. 

Here’s what scientists have learned so far about long Covid and its relationship to menopause:

Being a Middle-Aged Woman is a Long Covid Risk Factor

If you’re a woman at the age of 50, you’re not only likely to undergo menopause. According to a Lancet study, you’re also at a higher risk of suffering from post-Covid complications. 

Although this is the case, women still fare better when it comes to acute Covid-19 complications. Results show that compared to males, females have: 

• Lower mortality rates 
• Lower levels of inflammation 
• Higher lymphocyte counts (cells that help fight virus-infected cells)
• Faster antibody responses (they work to get rid of foreign substances/antigens in the body)

Researchers owe these outcomes to the hormone estradiol, which helps boost immune function. 

Covid-19 May Cause Hormonal Disturbances

According to a Brazilian study, long Covid may alter the following:

• Ovarian steroid hormone production

This hormone is crucial for normal ovarian functions, such as follicle growth or ovulation. 

Disturbances can lead to ovarian abnormalities, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or menopause-like symptoms. 

• Chronic inflammatory response due to sex-based immunomodulation

Changes in sex hormones—especially estrogen—can lead to inflammation. It’s an anti-inflammatory hormone, after all. 

Symptoms Overlap

Many long-haul Covid symptoms are similar to what menopausal or perimenopausal women experience. 

They include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Reduced concentration
• Muscle pains
• Low stamina

… So It’s Hard to Determine Which is Which

Because of the causes and symptoms mentioned above, many women remain unsure if they have long Covid or menopause.

Just take a look at these facts:

• The mean age of women with long Covid is 46.5 years (from 82.8% of respondents).
• 36% of women with long Covid reported cycle disturbances similar to menopause. 
• 48% of the 480 respondents had long Covid symptoms for more than six months. 
• 50% of women reported that their menses have stopped or changed since the infection.
• 80% say that their menses have yet to return to normal after the disease.

Symptoms Seem to be Worse When Hormone Levels are Low

According to the above-mentioned Brazilian study, 62% found their symptoms to worsen before their periods.

Researchers believe that this occurs because this is the time when your hormonal levels are at their lowest. 

This, of course, ties back to the changes that occur during Covid. The disease can affect estrogen and ovarian steroid hormone production—both of which may lead to worsened symptoms. 

Consult With Your Healthcare Provider

If you suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to tell your healthcare provider. It’s all about initiative, for some may not even ask about them. 

Doing so will help them determine if you’re suffering from long Covid or experiencing perimenopause. 

Of course, an accurate diagnosis will help them determine the right course of treatment. After all, you don’t want to receive the wrong treatments—like hormonal therapy for long Covid or post-Covid treatment for your menopause. 

That’s why if you’re suffering from long Covid symptoms, it’s essential to tell your healthcare provider about this.

Any questions? ASK MEG