Journal Article Review Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Epublish 17 citations
PubMed: 39066303 DOI: 10.3390/v16071142
Clinical Spectrum of Long COVID: Effects on Female Reproductive Health.
Viruses 16(7)
Authors: Syeda Maham, Mee-Sup Yoon
Affiliations
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea. Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea. Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
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.
MeSH
Virology, Ovary, Reproductive Health, Ovarian Reserve, Covid-19, Sex, Research, Post-Acute Covid-19 Syndrome
Cited by
- Long COVID and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Womens Health, 2025
- The Clinical and Metabolic Profiles in Menstrual Changes Among Reproductive-Aged Women Post-COVID-19. MedComm (2020), 2025
- Ovarian function after COVID-19: long-term effects and vaccine safety in ART patients. J Assist Reprod Genet, 2025
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Women's Reproductive Health and Its Association with Autoimmune Diseases, Including Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Med, 2025
- Changes in female cancer diagnostic billing rates over the COVID-19 period in the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Ther Adv Med Oncol, 2025