Clinical Spectrum of Long COVID: Effects on Female Reproductive Health

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented numerous health challenges, including long-term COVID, which affects female reproductive health. This review consolidates the current research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the menstrual cycle, ovarian function, fertility, and overall gynecol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Viruses 2024-07, Vol.16 (7), p.1142
Main Authors: Maham, Syeda, Yoon, Mee-Sup
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiotensin
Antigens
Biomarkers
Chronic fatigue syndrome
COVID-19
COVID-19 - epidemiology
COVID-19 - immunology
COVID-19 - virology
COVID-19 infection
Female
female reproductive health
Females
Fertility
Gender differences
Health care
health services
Humans
Immune response
Infections
Long COVID
Menstrual Cycle
menstrual irregularities
Menstruation
monitoring
ovarian reserve
Pandemics
Patients
Peptidyl-dipeptidase A
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Proteins
Quality of life
Receptor mechanisms
Reproductive Health
Reproductive status
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
sex-specific outcomes
Sexes
Well being
Womens health
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Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented numerous health challenges, including long-term COVID, which affects female reproductive health. This review consolidates the current research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the menstrual cycle, ovarian function, fertility, and overall gynecological health. This study emphasizes the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors in viral entry and the subsequent tissue-specific pathological effects. It also explores the potential influence of long COVID on hormonal balance and immune responses, contributing to menstrual irregularities and impaired ovarian function. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of long-term COVID-19 among women, highlighting the substantial implications for reproductive health and the need for sex-sensitive longitudinal studies. Enhanced surveillance and targeted research are essential to develop effective interventions that prioritize women's reproductive well-being following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review advocates for a sex-informed approach to ongoing COVID-19 research and healthcare strategies, aiming to provide up-to-date and pertinent data for healthcare providers and the general public, ultimately improving outcomes for females affected by long COVID.
ISSN:1999-4915
1999-4915
DOI:10.3390/v16071142