How lifestyle changes within the COVID-19 global pandemic have affected the pattern and symptoms of the menstrual cycle.

Bruinvels, G.; Goldsmith, E.; Blagrove, R.; Martin, D.; Shaw, L.; Piasecki, J.

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant changes to homes, working life and stress. The purpose of this research was to investigate the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the menstrual cycle and any contributing factors to these changes. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 749 participants, whom ranged from physically active to elite, in their training status. The questionnaire captured detail on menstrual cycle symptoms and characteristics prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, as well as lifestyle, stress, exercise and nutrition. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution were reported and decision tree analysis performed. Statistical significance was assumed at p<0.05. Results: Fifty-two point six percent of females experienced a change in their menstrual cycle during the lockdown period. Psychosocial symptoms had changed in over half of all participants. Participants who reported increased stress/worry in family and personal health were significantly associated with changes in menstrual symptoms. Similarly, job security stress was associated with increases in bleeding time (p<0.05). Conclusions: It is important that females and practitioners become aware of the implications of stressful environments and the possible long-term implications on fertility, particularly given the uncertainty around a second wave of the global pandemic.