Long Covid, Menstruation and Menopause

[AngelsOnAPinhead]

I only have one symptom and it peaks at ovulation, goes off for a few days and then peaks again for about a week till my period starts.
Is this the norm for women who menstruate?
Has anyone found that the pill or HRT have a significant impact on their symptoms?
Has anyone had a marked improvement in symptoms after menopause?
I can’t be far off the menopause, I’m just wondering what if anything to do.

I don’t know that I can help, but is your symptom breathlessness?

No. Fortunately, it’s just a cough. Thanks for asking.

It’s just me then.

It might be worth asking on the long covid thread on here or one of the long covid forums on Twitter etc.

Thanks @TurquoiseBeach .

I had this!! I thought I was imagining it. Every month same time for about 8 months after. I found it was reflux. Sorted it out with anti reflux meds. Don’t have it now and didn’t get it after second Covid infection. I had totally forgotten I had it because I had long Covid for 18 months but only half of that had the weird cough. Every month I thought I had Covid!!

That’s interesting @popsickle555. So you don’t need to take the anti reflux meds any more. That’s good. I thought reflux was more like heartburn.

No I’m fine now. I think it’s linked with ‘higher inflammation’ levels around those times of the month. I very rarely get it now. It wasn’t a bad cough, like a tickle constant throat clear but happened pre period and during ovulation every month. Does it sound similar?

I never had any heart burn pain hence didn’t put two and two together but I know that reflux is really common In long Covid…and for me it was like a reflux cough. It was worse also with certain foods eg tomatoes.

Yes, that’s how it is! It is often worse after eating, but I’m not sure whether it’s certain things. I hadn’t really thought. That’s really helpful. Thanks! I can look into that.
I forgot I’d changed my name for this.

It looks as though it’s anaemia.

The Omeprazole seems to have worked. It took a few months. The anaemia is almost certainly unconnected.
So, yes it was reflux. Thanks @popsickle555 and everyone who posted.

@AngelsOnAPinhead glad you’ve sorted it. Also I don’t get it anymore (3.5 years on!) it lasted about 2 years for me on and off. It was never severe. I eat everything I like now and only sometimes will have the slight tickle / burn feeling after tomatoes but it doesn’t bother me as I know what it is.

That’s good. I suppose if inflammation is a significant factor it can get better. Thanks again.

I think sorting out the anaemia seems to have sorted out the cough! I’ve gradually come off the omeprazole and I very rarely cough now.😊

Thanks for posting again - I finding this interesting as I’m also borderline anaemic. All my long Covid remaining symptoms (generally ‘just’ fatigue and some aching joints) peak at ovulation and then again pre period. Also working out what I can do. I also have endometriosis though so I’m no longer sure what’s causing what.

I’m sorry you have endometriosis. That’s tough. If it’s iron deficiency anaemia I definitely recommend ferrous fumerate (taken every other day at dawn).
Thanks for taking an interest. I did wonder if it was a bit ridiculous to expect anyone to be interested, but you never know who might have similar problems.