Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health. In April 2021 we conducted an observational study which demonstrated disruption in women’s reproductive and mental health during the first year of the pandemic. Our objective therefore was to perform follow up studies in this cohort of women at 6-monthly intervals, to assess the longer term enduring impact of the pandemic on reproductive and mental health.

Materials/Methods: Digital surveys were distributed in October 2021 and May 2022 via email to consenting women who had completed the study in September 2020.

Results: 177 women completed all 3 surveys. Mean age of respondents was 35 years. 85% recorded their menstrual cycles. Median weight increased from 68 kg to 72 kg between the first and third surveys. 60% of women reported some change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic. 67% had contracted COVID-19 and 93% had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Cycle changes noted included worsening pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) (72%), heavy periods (47%), painful periods (61%), missed periods (25%). Only 3% commenced or changed hormonal contraceptive. 39% of women who noted a change in their menstrual cycle in the first survey felt it had improved by the third survey, whereas changes persisted for 49% and were worse for 12%. Women who noted persistent or worsening cycle changes had higher depression (PHQ9) and anxiety (GAD7) scores and lower mental health related quality of life (HRQoL). 65% of women reported a reduced libido initially, but this had reduced to 48% by May 2022. Median anxiety and depression scores improved significantly between initial and third survey. HRQoL scores (SF12) remained unchanged over time. Sleep quality scores (PSQI) overall remained poor, but improved slightly.

Conclusions: Reproductive health disturbance related to the COVID19 pandemic persists for many women, despite improving mental health scores.