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.
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
Topics
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