While research about how COVID vaccines affect menstruation is starting to become readily available, there’s no official information about navigating your menstrual cycle and COVID. But this is an inevitable reality for many bleeders.
For those out there battling with both, know that you’re not alone. In fact, we’ve got 21 people that have made it out the other side. This is what they have to say about it, anecdotally (please consult your GP if you require medical attention!).
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
My mood was so low, and I had a chill/fever mixed with searing uterus pain. So, not great! I had Delta in early December and was still expected to work from home as my company showed little to no extra support (we had a campaign launch and people on leave). I was so angry that I quit my job on day five. It wasn’t a rash decision but definitely an emotional one that was spurred on by PMS. No regrets though, even though it was my dream role. I will not work for a manager that doesn’t support sick employees.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I was exhausted! I got my period on day four of COVID symptoms. My initial COVID symptoms were not what I’d anticipated at all — migraines, nausea, dizziness, and fainting. This continued for days (a grand total of 16, to be exact), and when I then got my period, the fainting and dizziness escalated.
My period was pretty standard, maybe some more intense cramping than usual because I was feeling sensitive. I also struggled with cramping more than usual because I wasn’t able to have a heat pack — my fever was too high to be able to add extra heat to my body. But more than anything, it was the overwhelming exhaustion. Being alone and feeling like this was all a bit terrifying, and I was definitely feeling very low and depresso. I’ve now been COVID-free for five days and I am still exhausted 24/7. It’s been weird.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Stay in bed. Take the time to binge watch Netflix and catch up on a year’s sleep. It’s exhausting and horrible and painful.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I get heavy periods and severe cramps because I have a copper IUD so I’m always right on it taking painkillers every four hours to cope. My COVID symptoms were also pretty bad — chest pain and shortness of breath for about a week. Got my period on day three of COVID and tbh it was probably one of the chillest periods I’ve had with this IUD because a) it was kinda the least of my worries, COVID symptoms were worse, b) I was already prepped and dosed up on pain meds for COVID and c) had the time to rest. It was legit lovely knowing that for a week I had nothing to do, nowhere to be, and that I could be in bed looking after my body without any guilt.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
Look, it wasn’t pretty. Having the ultimate collaboration of the century COVID X period made everything 10 times as stressful. Sensitivity was through the roof, and I growled at the world, cried snotty tears, and free bled into my sweat-soaked sheets (I fully embraced the yuck!).
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Grab your ModiBodi undies, grab that wheat bag and keep the strong cups of tea coming with a little honey to give yourself a sugar boost. COVID makes you so, so tired, so rest, rest, rest. Pop a little cold flannel over your eyes, your headphones in your ears, and listen to some crinkly ASMR soothing whispers. And just know, COVID X period won’t be forever, she’ll leave you alone after a while. Good luck babes! Xx
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I don’t normally get cramps or back pain but I had awful waves of both for about three days. It got so bad and couldn’t be relieved by pain medication. I was feeling so nauseous. My period also lasted way longer than usual, it lasted about 10 days!
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Whatever you use — cup, tampons, pads — stock up!!!
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
It sucked so much. I was almost recovered from the spicy cough when I started to get cramps and back pain — always the first symptoms of my period. As soon as I realised my period was due I pretty much just curled back up in bed.
Looking back, it also made my mental health so much worse. When I first thought I might have COVID I cried for about two hours alone in my room — it was extremely stressful waiting for my test to come back and having my hormones going crazy at the same time. It was especially difficult because I was sharing a bathroom with the rest of the household so I couldn’t just spend half an hour feeling sorry for myself in the shower like I generally would when on my period. I had to let them know when I was coming down so that they could clear the way and then de-germ the shower after I’d used it. Not fun.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
Last week, I was lucky enough to get COVID, my period and a secondary infection resulting in a cyst on my vulva — yay! After much discomfort and frantic Googling, I discovered that I had an infected Bartholin gland. (I previously had no idea this part of my body even existed).
Trying to insert any kind of period product into my vagina just wasn’t going to happen. I took to wearing my period undies, taking painkillers and soaking my tender vulva in the bath. I worried about how I’d go about consulting with my GP via video. Would I have to try and somehow take a video of my vulva to show her? Fortunately, that was not necessary and I’m happy to report that my vulva and I are now both on the mend!
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I got my period the day I got my COVID results back — the 19th of December. I was feeling pretty low as I realised I’d miss Christmas with my family. I definitely cried a lot that day, just feeling sorry for myself.
The first day of my period is really the only day that I have symptoms, but they are always pretty bad and I find it hard to function. From memory it was a hot day; I sat on my bed, looking at my results text message, post-nasal drip, sweating, with cramps and a sore back — I thought I have never felt this low. But I had some Lush bath bombs ready to be used, smoked a J and resigned myself to my new reality for the next few days.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
It felt as if my insides were going to explode, but I was that lethargic to do anything about it. I was on day three-ish of COVID when I got my period and it was hell. I was so hot from my COVID fever that using a heat pack on my stomach was torture (not dramatic at all, did I mention I also had no aircon and managed to get COVID in the one week Melbourne decided to have consistently warm weather). I felt I was pumping the Panadol more than I should have been, and I didn’t feel like eating at all. It was so frustrating. I felt like I was unnecessarily complaining to my housemates. Everyone was suffering from COVID but me being the only girl in the house I felt like I was trying to one-up, or make more of a ‘poor me’ situation.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Prepare yourself. Stock the kitchen with your period essentials, allow yourself to nap and feel tired. It’s okay to binge-watch all your fave Disney movies and fall asleep during all of them. We’re battling a global virus AND being a woman, boy-oh-boy that’s tough.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
If having your period every month isn’t bad enough, having it at the same time as COVID really sucked. The fatigue from COVID made me not want to deal with my period. Thank god for period undies and putting them on and forgetting because my mind was completely taken over with thoughts of being sick.
My standard lower back pain at that time of the month was exacerbated by the COVID body aches. Another bloody awful side effect of both conditions was fun (not) bowel movements. Period poos really are the cherry on top of our cycle, and turns out unusual bowels are also a side effect of COVID.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I was extremely lethargic and experienced body aches (particularly my back) and dizziness, which I initially suspected was only caused by my period until other symptoms started to show. Other symptoms include scratchy throat, dry coughs and a tiny bit of stuffy nose. My mood was all over the place, broke down in tears multiple times during isolation. Overall, my symptoms were mild and I would say it was more of a mental struggle than physical.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Hot tea and honey helps a lot (preferably green tea). Call your loved ones for emotional support!!
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
My period arrived five days early on the 1st of January (Happy New Year), which was day four of my Covid isolation — not sure if COVID is to blame for the early arrival!
Usually, with my period, I am in a lot of pain unless I take Nurofen and Naprogesic multiple times in the day and would ideally like to stay in bed in child’s pose. Thanks to my COVID symptoms I already couldn’t get out of bed so in reality that was a blessing in disguise. I also usually cry the day before I get my period, and with COVID I not only cried every day of my isolation but also non-stop the night before (bonus that it was NYE) so it definitely heightened my hormones and emotions. Let’s just say it really wasn’t the best way to bring in 2022, and hopefully not a sign for the year ahead.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
I honestly looked at it as a blessing in disguise. Usually, on our periods we are expected to continue with our day as if nothing is wrong. I took full advantage of being in isolation and spent the time in bed, eating comfort foods (when my appetite would allow it) and was grateful it was over at the same time as my isolation.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I got my period in the last few days of isolation (around day seven from my very first symptoms), so luckily I was over most of the ‘sick’ stage of COVID but my period was definitely different to normal. My bleeding was a lot lighter, and I was a bit woozy/lightheaded the day before my period actually started, which doesn’t normally happen. Also, I’m not sure if it was just the fact I had been in isolation for two weeks, hormones or something to do with my star sign but I was SUPER grouchy and irritable.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Have some tea, smash some ibuprofen and just lie down in front of a fan while watching a movie. Have as many showers as you need to feel clean and less sweaty, and be sure to treat yourself to an afternoon siesta.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
Overall pretty rubbish! The little energy I had remaining was swaddled by period lethargy and stomach pains. I also dearly wished for the sweet comfort of chocolate and chai, but I could barely taste or smell. One unexpected upside was the guilt-free binge watching and reading that I was able to do (in between fevers and headaches).
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Try to avoid heat packs if you can because raising body temperature can worsen headaches and fevers. Try to get yourself cool with a wet washer, block out the curtains, and keep plenty of pain killers on hand!
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
My period was lighter, I usually experience cramps but they weren’t very strong either. But two weeks later I had really awful ovulation pain which I’ve never had before and I think it’s related. COVID symptoms were fever, cough, runny nose, lack of taste. My mood was very emotional, particularly crying but I think that was also the stress.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Pads or period undies! It was hard to cough and do those kegels keeping the tampon in.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
Hello! It sucked! Not only was my body battling COVID, it was at its most vulnerable as I was bleeding and had low iron. I got my period two weeks early and still have it two weeks later. My cycle is a reliable five day one so to have it for 14 days straight is not fun. It contributed to the fatigue issues I experienced during covid as well as general muscle aches and fever.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I was lucky mostly asymptomatic when I got COVID but a few days later my period came and I felt as though I’ve been hit by a tonne of bricks! My body aches were slightly worse than usual and I felt glued to my bed for however long. I lost track of the days.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
COVID caused a sore throat, headaches, and drowsiness while my heavy period made me very tired. Experiencing the peak of both meant I was taking two naps a day over a few days.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest as much as your body and mind needs. Stay hydrated and continue to eat nutritious foods whenever possible. Do what helps you feel relaxed, such as reading the book you haven’t had time to read, listening to a podcast that makes you laugh or video calling a good friend.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
I got my period at the tail end of COVID — the fatigue was REAL. It made me really anxious about getting long COVID, returning to work and… basically everything else.
For COVID, I had a sore throat, cough, fever, heart palpitations, headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. My PMS made my mood really low and I have never experienced fatigue like that before in my life.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
Possibly the worst fatigue I’ve ever experienced in my life. A few days before and during my period, fatigue hit me so hard and I constantly felt like having a nap. But having COVID at the same time left me struggling to leave bed for 4-5 days straight. Plus, emotions were in overdrive because I tested pos right before Chrissy.
Any words of wisdom for others going through the same thing?
Rest rest rest! Don’t push yourself, or try and force yourself to do things because you want to be productive and not waste a day. Be kind to your body and give yourself the time to recover.
Tell us what it was like having your period and COVID at the same time.
It was so hard being in isolation alone regardless, but then the added emotion of my period sucked big time!! It was a really hard time. My period also lasted a lot longer than it usually does. It was the strangest thing but yeah, it lingered.
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