Experts say women who think they have had Covid for a long time may be going through the mesopause.
Doctors warn that the symptoms of both – such as fatigue, muscle pain and brain fog – are very similar.
The majority of long-term Covid patients are women, surveillance data suggests.
Dr. Louise Newson, a GP and menopause expert in Solihull, said women struggling with vague ailments may simply need menopause relief medication.
The symptoms for long Covid and menopause are similar. Both can include fatigue, muscle aches and brain fog. Around seven out of ten women suffer from menopausal symptoms, which can be severe and disrupt daily life. These include sleep problems, dizziness and headaches – which overlap with prolonged Covid
DR Newson told The Telegraph: “There is no diagnostic test for prolonged Covid and the symptoms are often very similar to menopause.
“Many of the women complaining of long-term Covid are in their mid to late 40s, so it seems logical to look at the obvious things first, e.g. B. whether they are actually going through menopause.”
The GP noted that Covid has been around for a long time, but believes women should be evaluated and treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
She added: “I would love to be proven wrong if none of you feel better after HRT, but at the moment no one is considering that as a possibility.”
More than 2 million people in the UK have self-reported long-term Covid symptoms, according to survey data from the Office for National Statistics.
According to a recent study by the University of Southampton, the median age of people who claim to have long-term COVID-19 illness is 46.5 years, with 82.5 percent women.
During menopause, on the other hand, a woman stops menstruating—usually between the ages of 45 and 55—and this is a normal part of aging.
This is caused by a drop in levels of hormones such as estrogen.
About seven out of ten women experience symptoms that can be severe and interfere with daily life. These include sleep problems, dizziness and headaches – which overlap with prolonged Covid.
But it’s not just the vague symptoms and similar demographics that lead experts to believe that some long-term Covid sufferers are actually struggling with menopause.
DR Newson also believes that Covid infection can send women into mesopause prematurely.
After contracting Covid or getting the shot, thousands of women have reported changes in their periods.
However, studies have shown that after two doses, women can add a few days to their menstrual cycle, but this is only a temporary boost.
In addition to Covid, other infections such as mumps, tuberculosis and malaria can also cause premature menopause.
DR Newson told the paper: ‘Many women tell us from a very young age that their periods change, but we also know that any infection can affect our ovaries.
“We are designed not to get pregnant if we have an infection.
“The first thing our ovaries do is shut down, and that’s a good thing, but it can mean the body stops making the right hormones and you can enter menopause.”
“We’ve seen a lot of women in the clinic and they’re going through menopause.”
Perimenopause is when women experience menopausal symptoms before their periods have stopped.
The GP advised women to keep track of their symptoms and the days they felt “irritated, tired or sore” and see if they get worse over time.
For those going through menopause or perimenopause, the sooner they start HRT the better, said Dr. Newson.
Of the 30 Britons who say they have had Covid for a long time, the majority have had it for at least a year and three quarters say it affects their daily life.
Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom – reported by seven out of ten patients – followed by difficulty concentrating and muscle pain.
Each overlaps with menopause, which is also known to cause hot flashes, mood swings and headaches.
HRT – described by some women as a lifeline – can help relieve these symptoms by replacing lost hormones.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
