Menstrual Symptom Disorders After COVID-19 in Relation To Anxiety and Long COVID Symptoms

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.