It is impossible not to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that we have been in for about two years. A study conducted in Britain to reveal the physical and psychological effects of this process showed that more than half of women in the pandemic had their menstrual cycles and sexual urges adversely affected.
In the research presented at the annual conference of the Endocrinology Society, the effects of the pandemic that started in December 2019 on women; The study was conducted with the participation of 1335 women with a mean age of 34. Of the women surveyed, 54 percent said their sex drive had decreased, while 56 percent said there had been a general change in their menstrual cycles since the onset of the pandemic or this.
Pandemic adversely affected the health of 2/3 of women
During this period, there was a significant increase in the number of women who stated that their menstrual periods were heavy, they were in pain and they had irregular periods. Almost two-thirds of women reported worsening of their menstrual symptoms. In addition, the rates of severe depression, anxiety, and poor sleep among women were up to twice that seen in the general population.
Disruption of women’s menstrual cycle; Stating that it is directly related to bad sleep and increased stress, the researchers emphasized that it is common for those who say that they sleep poorly during the pandemic to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. The scientists who led the research at Trinity College pointed out that the increase in anxiety is directly related to the negative changes in menstrual cycles and decreased sexual desire. It was observed that the stress experienced by women in this process was mostly due to illness and grief for the family.
The researchers agreed that this situation in women is the unique psychological burden that comes with the pandemic. Co-author of the report, Dr. Lisa Owens said, “We predicted the impact of the pandemic on women’s menstrual cycles. However, we did not expect to encounter such a serious rate. ” said. Emphasizing that the results of the research show the need for medical care and psychological support in women, Dr. Michelle Maher said, “We recommend that women who experience sexual and mental health problems during the pandemic seek advice by seeing their general practitioner.”
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