Publication:

A survey on the impact of COVID-19 infection on menstrual cycle following second wave of COVID infection in a tertiary care centre in Mumbai

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to poor mental health measures, with emerging evidence suggesting gender differences with poorer outcomes in women. It has also introduced many acute stressors in life of many women and thus, led to worse outcomes. This may have unintended consequences for women’s overall health and well-being, including disruptions to reproductive function as elevated stress is often associated with menstrual cycle irregularities. The objective of this study was to determine if and how the COVID-19 infection and its related stressors have impacted women’s menstrual cyclicity.

Methods An online survey was designed to capture self-reported information on menstrual cycle changes was distributed between April and September 2021. A total of 155 women who met stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed the survey.

Results Of the 155 respondents, more than half (78%) reported changes in their menstrual cycles. These included changes in menstrual cycle length, the duration of menses, or changes in premenstrual symptoms.

Conclusions By uncovering a trend in increased menstrual cycle irregularities during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study contributes to our understanding of the implications that the pandemic may have on women’s reproductive health.