How lifestyle changes during the covid-19 global pandemic affected the pattern and symptoms of the menstrual cycle
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Authors
Bruinvels, Georgie
Blagrove, Richard C.
Goldsmith, Esther
Shaw, Laurence
Martin, Daniel
Piasecki, Jessica
Issue Date
2022-10
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Female Physiology , Reproductive Function , Symptoms , Eumenorrheic , Nutrition , Training , Menstruation
Alternative Title
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.
Description
Citation
Bruinvels, G., Blagrove, R. C., Goldsmith, E., Shaw, L., Martin, D., & Piasecki, J. (2022). How Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic Affected the Pattern and Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13622. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013622
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health