A survey including over 12,000 women of reproductive age revealed that 1 in 3 women had experienced changes to their menstrual cycles and symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the study were presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine 2021 meeting.

Higher levels of stress compared to the prepandemic criteria could be impacting menstruation. Shannon M. Malloy, who presented the findings, said that this has implications for women who are trying to conceive or have infertility.

Ovia Health looked into the link between perceived stress and menstrual cycle and symptom changes during the pandemic, to ascertain its impact on assisted reproductive technology (ART). Between March 2020 and April 2021, users of Ovia Health′s Fertility mobile application in the United States participated in a survey. Among the 12,302 survey respondents, 1 in 3, that is 36%, reported changes in cycle or symptoms. Around 87% reported early or late cycle. Additionally, 29% reported stronger symptoms during menstruation, including low back pain, cramping, or discharge changes, while 27% reported heavier bleeding… (Medscape)