Survey study, 2022
Did fear of COVID-19 affect premenstrual symptoms in university students?
Women with higher fear of COVID-19 had worse PMS symptoms, especially if the pandemic changed their menstrual cycles. This shows an association but doesn't prove fear caused worse PMS.
What they did
Cross-sectional online survey of 829 Turkish university students. Students reported PMS symptoms using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, fear of COVID-19 using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and whether the pandemic changed their cycle or bleeding.
What they found
73% had PMS. Most common symptoms were fatigue, irritability, appetite changes, and depression. Average fear of COVID-19 score was 20.48±5.96, indicating moderate fear. 72.5% reported the pandemic did not affect menstrual cycle length, and 79.6% reported it did not affect bleeding. Women who noticed pandemic effects on their cycles had significantly higher fear scores. Fear scores were positively correlated with PMS scores and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
What it means for you
Psychological stress or fear was linked to worse PMS symptoms, particularly in women whose cycles actually changed. This suggests mental health may affect premenstrual symptoms, though the study cannot prove stress caused the worse PMS. Results only apply to Turkish university students.
73%
Had PMS
20.48±5.96
Average fear of COVID-19 score (moderate)
72.5%
Cycle length unchanged by pandemic
About the study
- Original title
- Relationship between fear of COVID-19 and premenstrual syndrome in Turkish university students
- Authors
- Kaplan S, Gürler M, Gönenç ILM
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 829
- What was tested
- Association between fear of COVID-19 and PMS symptoms
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2022.2103611
Topics
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