Menstrual cycle patterns during acute and long COVID-19 infection among a cohort of individuals with regular menstrual cycles

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Emily R. Boniface, Alexandra Alvergne, Blair G. Darney, Eleonora Benhar, Agathe van Lamsweerde, Alison B. Edelman
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2026.03.001
Cited by: 0
References: 6

Abstract

Acute COVID-19 infection is associated with small temporary menstrual cycle length increases, possibly driven by cytokine-mediated disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.1 However, little is known about menstrual patterns among individuals experiencing postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (“long COVID”), which is associated with prolonged activation of proinflammatory cytokine signaling pathways.2 Most evidence of menstrual changes following long COVID comes from retrospective self-reported data.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 Menstrual Health and Disorders COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume
235
Issue
1
Pages
e7–e9
Publication date
11 March 2026
Language
EN