How Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic Affected the Pattern and Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

This research investigated the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the menstrual cycle and any contributing factors to these changes. A questionnaire was completed by 559 eumenorrheic participants, capturing detail on menstrual cycle symptoms and characteristics prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Over half of all participants reported to have experienced lack of motivation (61.5%), focus (54.7%) and concentration (57.8%). 52.8% of participants reported an increase in cycle length. Specifically, there was an increase in the median cycle length reported of 5 days (minimum 2 days, maximum 32 days), with a median decrease of 3 days (minimum 2 days and maximum 17 days). A lack of focus was significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length (p = 0.038) reported to have increased by 61% of participants. Changes to eating patterns of white meat (increase p = 0.035, decrease p = 0.003) and processed meat (increase p = 0.002 and decrease p = 0.001) were significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length. It is important that females and practitioners become aware of implications of environmental stressors and the possible long-term effects on fertility. Future research should continue to investigate any long-lasting changes in symptoms, as well as providing education and support for females undergoing any life stressors that may implicate their menstrual cycle and/or symptoms.

The cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ) among Chinese women of reproductive age

“…Furthermore, in regard to measuring symptoms associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on menstrual symptoms are noteworthy. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to changes in menstrual flow and cycle length, characterized by reduced flow and extended cycles [ [60] , [61] , [62] ]. Additionally, conditions like endometriosis can lead to menstrual irregularities, chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility [ [63] , [64] , [65] ].…”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Premenstrual Symptoms and Its Relationship with the Quality of Life

“…A very restricted number of studies exist in the literature upon the relation between PMS and COVID-19 (Genc-Koyucu & Olmez, 2021;Sahin et al, 2022;Aydin-Kartal & Kaykisiz, 2021;Bruinvels et al, 2022). Since PMS symptoms are affected by lifestyle changes, it is expected that lifestyle changes occurring during the Covid-19 pandemic period will affect PMS symptoms.…”

Menstrual Cycle Associated Alteration of Vastus Lateralis Motor Unit Function

“…The latter 14-day luteal phase is characterised by a gradual increase in progesterone, peaking around day 22 and returning to base levels at day 28 [ 5 ]. It is unsurprising that the regularly fluctuating concentrations of these hormones with genomic and nongenomic effects has attracted notable research interest in terms of general health [ 6 – 9 ], neuromuscular performance [ 10 – 13 ], and injury risk [ 14 – 17 ].…”