Menstrual Symptom Disorders After COVID-19 in Relation To Anxiety and
Long COVID Symptoms
Abstract
Aim and objectives: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can affect the
menstrual cycle and menstrual volume. We aimed to examine the changes in
menstrual symptoms of women who had recovered from COVID-19 and
determine the factors affecting these changes. Methods: A questionnaire,
prepared using Google Forms, was completed online in May 18-31, 2021 by
180 women (26.08±6.62 years) who had recovered from COVID-19. Menstrual
symptoms, menstrual pain severity, fatigue severity and anxiety levels
of the participants were assessed with Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire
(MSQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS),
Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), respectively. Results: Post-COVID-19
individuals’ MSQ total scores and subgroup scores, FSS scores and
menstrual pain showed a statistically significant increase compared to
pre-COVID-19 (p < 0.001 for all). Multiple linear regression
analysis identified age at menarche and change in FSS and VAS scores as
significant contributors to 38.4% of the variance explained in the
significant regression for change in MSQ score (F (3.176) = 38.23, p
< 0.001). Individuals with prolonged fatigue, muscle–joint
pain and dyspnea symptoms showed increased MSQ total scores (p = 0.006,
p = 0.009, p = 0.046 respectively) and negative effects/somatic
complaints subgroup scores (p = 0.004, p = 0.002, p = 0.017
respectively). Also, individuals with prolonged gastrointestinal
symptoms showed increased pain symptoms (p = 0.029) and coping methods
subgroup scores (p = 0.002), while those with prolonged muscle and joint
pain showed increased coping methods (p = 0.022) subgroup scores.
Conclusion: In this study, we observed worsened menstrual symptoms,
fatigue, and menstrual pain severity in women recovered from COVID-19.
In addition, age at menarche and fatigue and menstrual pain scores
differences after COVID-19 were determiners of the changes in menstrual
symptoms. Menstrual symptoms were more severe in women who have
prolonged fatigue, dyspnea, muscle–joint pain, and gastrointestinal
symptoms.