Painful periods emerge as a post-Covid symptom in some women
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to a potential post-infection symptom among women in the UAE: painful periods. A study conducted at Latifa Hospital in Dubai found that approximately 10% of women in the country reported experiencing onset dysmenorrhea after recovering from COVID-19. The research, titled 'Effects of the Covid-19 Infection on Women's Menstrual Cycle: A Retrospective Study at Latifa Hospital, Dubai,' involved 705 participants, primarily reproductive-aged women (18-55 years old), who had recuperated from COVID-19.
According to the study, 90% of the participants did not report experiencing painful periods after having COVID-19, while 10% reported pain. Additionally, 81% noted no change in menstrual flow rate, while 19% reported a change. The intensity of these changes has been linked to the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Doctors have observed that these changes tend to increase with the severity of the infection, especially among women who require hospitalization for treatment or experience severe fever.
Dr. Lara Koussayer, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NMC Royal Women's Hospital in Abu Dhabi, explained that changes in the menstrual cycle were observed, particularly in the first three months of infection. These changes included irregularities in the menstrual cycle, delays, or irregularities in bleeding patterns, which improved after the initial three months of infection. Some women also experienced variations in the usual number of days of bleeding and changes in the amount of blood lost each month.
Dr. Kranti Lohokare Jadhav, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aster Hospital Sharjah, highlighted that studies have shown SARS-CoV-2 infection can impact menstrual cycles, resulting in decreased menstrual volume and prolonged cycles. Approximately 20% of COVID-19 patients demonstrated longer menstrual cycles compared to their pre-illness cycles. However, healthcare professionals emphasize that attributing menstrual irregularities solely to COVID-19 may oversimplify the complex factors influencing reproductive health.
Various factors can contribute to menstrual irregularities, and stress, illness, and other health conditions play a role. Dr. Amal Hassan Abddelaziz, head of obstetrics and gynecology at Thumbay University Hospital Ajman, noted that primary dysmenorrhea, associated with normal menstrual processes, is commonly observed in girls and is often manageable through self-care measures. On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea, characterized by severe pain that disrupts daily activities or is accompanied by new or worsening symptoms, requires medical attention, as it may be linked to specific medical conditions affecting the reproductive organs.
In most cases, self-care measures such as applying heat to the lower abdomen, using pain relievers, and regular exercise can effectively manage the discomfort associated with menstrual pain. However, women experiencing severe pain or symptoms associated with secondary dysmenorrhea should seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
It's important to note that while the study sheds light on potential menstrual cycle changes after COVID-19 infection, more research is needed to understand the relationship between the virus and menstrual health comprehensively.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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