---
title: Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect women's periods and anxiety levels?
description: Yes. During the pandemic in May 2020, women reported shorter periods with fewer pads needed. Higher anxiety scores were linked to worse menstrual symptoms.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/triangle-of-covid-anxiety-and-menstrual-cycle-2021/
---

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- Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect women's periods and anxiety levels?

Cohort study, 2021

# Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect women's periods and anxiety levels?

Yes. During the pandemic in May 2020, women reported shorter periods with fewer pads needed. Higher anxiety scores were linked to worse menstrual symptoms.

 Early or limited evidence

263 women aged 18-45 with regular cycles surveyed in May 2020

## What they did

A cross-sectional online survey in May 2020 of 263 women aged 18-45 with regular menstrual cycles. Women reported changes in their periods before and after COVID-19. They completed anxiety questionnaires (STAI-I and STAI-II) and a menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ).

## What they found

Period duration decreased and pads used per day decreased compared to before COVID-19. Women with higher anxiety scores had worse menstrual symptoms. Mean STAI-I anxiety score was 45.1±9 and STAI-II was 43.3±5.9. Mean menstrual symptom score was 3.1±0.8. Anxiety scores showed positive correlation with menstrual symptoms, particularly somatic symptoms.

## What it means for you

Psychological stress from COVID-19 was linked to increased anxiety and worse menstrual symptoms during the pandemic. However, this was a snapshot at one point in time, so we don't know if changes lasted. Results are from one country at one specific time period.

263

Women surveyed

26.3 ± 6.9

Average age in years

45.1 ± 9

Mean anxiety score (STAI-I)

## About the study

Original title Triangle of COVID, anxiety and menstrual cycle Authors Demir O, Sal H, Comba C Journal Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Year 2021 Study design Cohort study Participants 263 Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2021.1907562](https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2021.1907562)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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