Effects of SARS-COVID-19 lockdown on menstrual patterns: A transversal large sample survey

Area of Science:

• Reproductive health
• Psychoneuroendocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns created unprecedented stressors globally.
• Understanding the impact of these stressors on women's reproductive health, specifically menstrual cycles, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence, significance, and characteristics of menstrual changes in women during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain.
• To identify factors influencing these menstrual alterations.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 6449 women aged 15-55 in Spain who had not contracted COVID-19.
• Data collected included lockdown activities, emotional status, menstrual changes, and quality of life.
• Analysis focused on non-hormonal contraceptive users to isolate effects on natural menstruation.

Main Results:

• Among 4989 valid surveys, 7.7% of women experienced amenorrhea during lockdown.
• Menstrual quality of life worsened for 19%, and global quality of life worsened for 50.1%.
• Emotional status changes significantly correlated with menstrual irregularities (regularity, duration, heaviness), unlike isolation length or COVID-19 exposure.

Conclusions:

• Emotional distress stemming from lockdown stressors was a significant factor in menstrual disturbances.
• The duration of isolation and direct exposure to COVID-19 were not found to be significant predictors of menstrual changes.