Menstrual symptoms, as well as symptoms related to sexual health, can lead to psychological distress. Several studies have found that dysmenorrhoea is associated with anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. High psychological distress is also associated with premenstrual symptoms and menorrhagia. The perception of stress also contributes to low libido in women.
Women’s Reproductive Health Is Being Impacted By The COVID-19 Pandemic
With various studies, more and more impacts of coronavirus come to the knowledge of experts. There is hardly any organ in the human body that is not being affected by the infection of this virus. In the latest study, the experts have checked some samples where it is observed that even reproductive health of women is being affected to a serious extent and hence more precautions become much important for them now.
According to new research to be presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Edinburgh, women’s reproductive health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic’s psychological burden, and they require additional medical and psychological support.
It appears that the pandemic has adversely affected women’s menstrual cycles due to stress and sleep disturbance. A longer-term study is needed to determine how the pandemic may affect the health of female reproductive systems.
We have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant changes to our daily lifestyles, eating habits, and exercise habits have compounded the detrimental effects on our mental health.
Stress affects hormone levels in women’s bodies, as well as causing sleep disorders and weight fluctuations. As stress hormones have the ability to inhibit sex hormone release, sleep disturbances are linked to infertility, and increased belly fat is linked to menstrual irregularities.
In April 2021, Dr. Michelle Maher surveyed 1,300 women as part of a research team led by Dr. Lisa Owens in Dublin to investigate how the pandemic affects reproductive health. Menstrual cycles were included as a measure in addition to standard depression and anxiety questionnaires. Intermittent, missed menstrual periods, painful, heavy periods, and premenstrual symptoms are all menstrual disturbances.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 56% of respondents experienced menstrual cycle changes, while 64% experienced worsening premenstrual symptoms, and 54% reported reduced sexual drive.
Men were more likely than women of reproductive age to suffer from depression, anxiety, or poor sleep during the pandemic. Psychological distress and poor sleep were associated with menstrual cycle disturbances among women surveyed.
As Michelle Maher argues, “Our findings emphasize the need to provide women with menstrual disturbances the appropriate medical care and mental health support they require because of the unprecedented psychological burden they face.”
For the first time, a study has shown that even one year after the pandemic, women continue to have reproductive health problems associated with psychosocial distress and poor sleeping patterns. In addition to improving our understanding of the extent of reproductive health disruption, further research will also lead to better practices and health policies.
Despite being conducted at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination program, the results might depend on whether the pandemic lasts and how effective the vaccine is. We need more quantitative analyses that objectively measure the effectiveness of the vaccine.
As part of the new plan, the team will conduct these surveys every six months to monitor progress and determine any longer-term effects on women’s reproductive health and mental health. Furthermore, participants will be measured for blood pressure, weight, sexual hormones, and ovulation in addition to taking surveys.
According to Dr. Maher, in the event of any reproductive disturbance, such as mental health disturbances, women should seek advice from their general practitioner. At Dr. Maher’s center, we intend to develop psychological support workshops for women suffering from menstrual cycle problems.
