Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on menstrual cycle in young women

Abstract

Introduction: Normal and regular menstrual cycle is an important physiological function that indicates valuable information about women reproductive health, as well as the overall health. A lifestyle pattern could have influence on hormone activity and potential impact on menstrual regularity. Menstrual abnormalities are very common among adolescents. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore if the change of everyday habits, during pandemic, had an influence on hormone activity and menstrual regularity among young women. Material and methods: This study included 169 girls, from 15 to 25 years old, that were doing questionnaire based on menstruation characteristic and daily habits in period from December 2019 to October 2020. Average duration of menstrual cycle, before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, was analyzed. Results: Average time of menarcha was age 12. During 2019, 17.2% of respondents had irregular menstrual cycle. Change of dietary habits, in the time of pandemic, was reported by 30% of girls and sleep habit by 35.5%. Additionally, 44% of them had less activities for school and 77% girls spent more time on their mobile phones. Conclusion: Analyzing data from menstrual history of examined girls, there was no statistically significant difference in menstrual cycle duration during pandemic, comparing it to previous period, despite the change of daily habits.