Impact of Different Exercise Techniques on Menstrual Pain Severity in Postacute Covid-19 Women

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of different exercise techniques on menstrual pain severity in post-acute covid-19 women. Method(s): Thirty post-acute COVID-19 women suffering from primary menstrual pain. Their body mass index ranged from 25 to 35 kg/m2, and their age was between 18 and 25 years old. They were split up into two groups randomly. The control group (n=15) were instructed to avoid regular physical exercise during the study period, and the exercise group (n=15) were requested to perform set of home-based exercise protocol, from the fourth day of the menstrual cycle till the onset of the second menstrual cycle. Both groups were examined for pain intensity Pre-treatment and post-treatment using visual analogue scale (VAS). Result(s): Menstrual pain intensity was significantly reduced in the exercise group (p=0.000) but not statistically different in the control group (p=0.089). Conclusion(s): Different exercise techniques has a positive impact on menstrual pain severity in post-acute covid-19 women. Therefore, it can be recommended for menstrual pain relief in post-acute covid-19 women to promote their daily activities, independent living and quality of life.Copyright © 2021 Muslim OT et al.

Determining the Effect of COVID-19 on the Menstrual Cycle Among Women of Reproductive Age Group in the Jazan Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gravely affected the world in various ways. COVID-19 is a major health crisis, with long-term physical and mental health consequences. Many women reported menstrual irregularities during and after the pandemic. The study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on menstrual cycles in females of reproductive age in the Jazan region. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized to conduct the study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 346 women aged 18-44 years who had normal menstrual cycles for more than a year before the outbreak and had a history of COVID-19 infection. RESULT: The questionnaire was completed by 346 women. Only 144 (41.6%) of the study's respondents were aged 25-34 years. Of the respondents, 283 (81.8%) were university students, and 219 (63.3%) were married. The majority of women (337, 97.4%) were vaccinated against COVID-19. A total of 301 (87.0%) were healthy. Before being infected with COVID-19, 19.70% of the responders had irregular periods, which increased to 59.50% during infection and 33.20% after getting better. There was a relationship between the regularity of menstrual periods during COVID-19 infection and the duration of menstrual periods after COVID-19 (p = 0.035); the frequency of menstrual periods before (p = 0.001), during (p = 0.009), and after (p = 0.001) COVID-19; menstrual period regularity before (p = 0.001) and after (p = 0.001) COVID-19 infection; and pain severity level during (p = 0.001) and after (p = 0.004) COVID-19 infection. Regarding the perception of the impact of COVID-19 on menstrual changes, there was an association between COVID-19 infection and variation in days during two consecutive menstrual cycles (p = 0.001), changes in the duration of menstrual cycles (p = 0.022), delayed or absent menstruation (p = 0.019), and menstruation stopping (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated the COVID-19 pandemic is an international health problem that affects women, leading to changes in regularity, duration, frequency, and severity of pain. These changes may have a long-term impact on women's reproductive health.

Menstrual changes and dysmenorrhea after to the COVID-19 Vaccines. CAMVA-COVID-19 Study

Objective: To evaluate ifthe COVID-19vaccine produces changes in the menstrual pattern, type ofchange anddysmenorrhea. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study. 6616 digital surveys were carried out on women who received a vaccine against COVID-19. Asurvey was applied via networks and in gynecological consultations. Percentages and 95 %confidence intervals were calculated from 2x2 tables, menstrual changes were analyzed in the sample and in subgroups according to type of vaccine, number of doses, age, and residence. Results: 86.5 % (3535/4087) reported menstrual changes, the most frequent being: menstrual delay (40.4 %) and heavier menstrual bleeding (37.7 %). Dysmenorrhea presented in 39 % accompanying menstrual changes, but 2.1 % as the only symptom. A statistically significant difference was observed: 1) more menstrual changes with mechanism of action chimpanzee viral vector when compared to inactivated virus, 2) human viral vector and inactivated virus more menstrual changes 18-34 years compared to 35-50 years and less changes when compared to chimpanzee viral vector in 35-50 years 3) mRNA was the least associated with menstrual absence when compared to human viral vector 53 % and chimpanzee 50 % more frequent. Conclusion: Menstrual changes are very common after vaccination against COVID-19, this being related to the type of vaccine administered. Some mechanisms of action seem to be related to a greater or lesser risk of specific menstrual changes. © 2023 Sociedad de Obstetricia y Ginecologia de Venezuela. All rights reserved.

Monitored Anesthesia Care in Uterine Artery Embolization for Leiomyomas and Adenomyosis

Background: Patients undergoing an interventional radiology procedure report some degree of anxiety. Therefore, procedure-related anxiety needs to be managed. The aim of our study was to investigate patient satisfaction with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for uterine artery embolization (UAE)-related procedural anxiety in symptomatic uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. Method(s): Between May 2021 and June 2022, 36 patients with symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis underwent UAE with MAC. Follow-up evaluations consisted of clinical symptoms, degree of satisfaction with MAC in UAE, and complications. Result(s): MAC in UAE was successfully performed in all patients. UAE significantly reduced patients' complaints such as bleeding and pain: the scores for bleeding and pain were significantly reduced after 3 months of UAE compared with those before UAE, indicating the effectiveness of UAE. The mean score of satisfaction with MAC in UAE was 4.3 points, meaning that 94.4% of women were satisfied or very satisfied. No major complications were observed. Conclusion(s): MAC in UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids or adenomyosis can be emotionally effective and safe for patients who are anxious about the procedure.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).

Association between depression and dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls: multiple mediating effects of binge eating and sleep quality.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea has a significant negative impact on teenagers' quality of life, and its prevalence is increasing annually. Although studies have explored the factors affecting dysmenorrhea, it remains unclear how these factors interact with one another. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of binge eating and sleep quality between depression and dysmenorrhea. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited adolescent girls from the Health Status Survey of adolescents in Jinan, Shandong Province, and used multistage stratified cluster random sampling. Data was collected using an electronic questionnaire between March 9, 2022, and June 20, 2022. The Numerical Rating Scale and Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale were used to assess dysmenorrhea and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depression. The mediation model was tested by Mplus 8.0, and the mediating effect was analyzed using the Product of Coefficients approach and the Bootstrap method. RESULTS: Among the total of 7818 adolescent girls included in this study, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea is 60.5%. A significant positive association was found between dysmenorrhea and depression. Binge eating and sleep quality seemingly mediate this association. The mediating effect of sleep quality (21.31%) was greater than that of binge eating (6.18%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study point in the right direction for preventing and treating dysmenorrhea in adolescents. For adolescent dysmenorrhea, mental health should be considered and proactive steps taken for educating adolescents on healthy lifestyles to reduce negative consequences of dysmenorrhea. Longitudinal studies on the causal link and influence mechanisms between depression and dysmenorrhea should be conducted in the future.

Association between Covid-19 Vaccine and Menstrual Abnormalities among Post-Vaccinated Women in Saudi Arabia

Background: Many women worldwide have reported abnormalities in their menstrual periods after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. This research aims to determine the prevalence and the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and menstrual abnormalities among Saudi and residents women aged 18 years and older in Saudi Arabia. Method(s): This is a Cross sectional questionnaire based study collected through an online questionnaire from Saudi and Resident women post Covid19 vaccination .The sample include women age from 18 years or older, while excluding unvaccinated women, or women living outside Saudi Arabia . Result(s): A total of 419 female participants were involved in this research with a mean (SD) of age 25(7.4). Among the total study participants, the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities was 20%. The number of doses received as well as the vaccine type were not significantly associated with having menstrual abnormalities. A strong significant association was found between menstrual abnormalities and having the period in the same vaccination day (P<0.01) in which 33% resembling a total of 26 participants out of 79 females who received vaccine at the same day of vaccination experienced menstrual abnormalities. Conclusion(s): Although there was no significant association between receiving covid19 vaccine from any type and the number of doses with menstrual abnormalities but there is a strong significant association found between menstrual abnormalities and having the period in the same vaccination day.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Menstrual Irregularities Post-COVID-19 Infection/Vaccination in Indian Population

Introduction: Increased reporting of menstrual disturbances post-vaccination and inadequate inclusion of questions about menstruation in vaccine trials and disease progression studies have been the baseline for conducting this study. We aim to assess the influence of vaccines and COVID-19 infection on menstruation and identify patterns, if any, in cycles post-disease/vaccination. Methods: A multicenter observational study was performed using a questionnaire-based survey via an online link. The participants who filled the survey were predominantly in the age group of 21–25 years (80%). Participants with prior menstrual irregularities were eliminated from the study. Results: The prevalence of unusual menstrual cycles post-infection/vaccination was 21.7%. A total of 17.11% experienced changes post-vaccination and 22.8% of the infected individuals reported abnormalities post-COVID-19 disease. A substantial increase in dysmenorrhea was reported (p <0.001) post-infection/vaccination. An increase in menstrual flow was observed in 14.9% post-vaccination and 23.9% post-infection. Conclusion: Menstrual changes post-vaccination were insignificant;however, significant differences in menstruation were reported post-infection. The study strengthens the association between COVID-19 and menstruation and urges the inclusion of menstrual health in disease intervention studies.

COVID-Related Distress Is Associated with Increased Menstrual Pain and Symptoms in Adult Women.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in heightened stress for many individuals, with women reporting more stress than men. Although a large body of evidence has demonstrated that stress, in general, can impact the menstrual cycle, it is not yet clear if COVID-specific stress would impact women's menstrual health. The current study explored the relationship between COVID-related stress and distress and menstrual variables (menstrual pain, number and severity of menstrual symptoms, and menstrual pain interference) in a sample of reproductive-age adult women. Seven-hundred fifteen women completed the initial survey and were re-contacted to complete the same survey three months later. Of those recontacted, 223 completed the follow-up survey. Results indicated that COVID-related stress and distress was associated with higher levels of menstrual pain, more frequent and more severe menstrual symptoms, and greater menstrual pain interference, even after accounting for age, hormonal use, bodily pain, and pain catastrophizing. Our findings suggest that women experience unique vulnerabilities that directly impact their health and functioning, and both research and clinical care should address these symptoms through careful assessment and treatment of menstrual pain and symptoms, particularly during and after periods of high stress and distress.

Covid 19 Vaccine And Menstrual Symptoms In Egyptian Adolescent Female Cross Sectional Study

Objectives The study's goal is to look into the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on adolescent female menstrual cycles. Methods From October 2021 to May 2022, a cross-sectional online self-administered survey was used for the study. Adolescent females above the menarche who had received the vaccine, were single, and without a previous history of primary ovarian insufficiency were the target population (language secondary school and first year student at faculty of physical therapy Kafrelsheikh university). Regional distribution of the survey was done through social media. Results a total of (270) female with mean age ranged from 16 to 18 years, with a mean of (16.98+/- 1.796). Overall, 66.6% of female didn't feel any changes in the period after vaccination, (10.7%) had Menstrual Cramps, (9.6%) irregular menstruation, (5.9%) increase the duration of the menstruation, (7.8%) Increased amount/abundance of bleeding, (4%) Increased period frequency and (5.19%) Worsening of premenstrual symptoms, (1.4%) intermenstrual bleeding, (37%) post menstrual bleeding. there was a significant relationship between duration of menstrual cycle in days and covid -19 vaccination p = 0.014, symptoms appearance in relation to dose p =.001, severity of vaccine side effect p=.023. Conclusion The study described a bearable link between the COVID-19 vaccine and the menstrual irregularities that have negatively impacted the women's quality of life. Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Post-COVID-19 Menstrual Symptom Disorders Relating to Anxiety and Long COVID-19 Symptoms

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect the menstrual cycle and menstrual flow. To examine changes in menstrual symptoms of women recovering from COVID-19 and to identify factors that influence these changes. Material(s) and Method(s): A questionnaire, prepared using Google Forms, was completed by 180 women (26.08+/-6.62 years) recovered from COVID-19. The menstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, fatigue severity and anxiety level of the participants were evaluated respectively with the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS). Result(s): Post-COVID-19 individuals' MSQ totals, subgroup scores, FSS scores and menstrual pain levels showed significant increase compared to pre-COVID-19. Regression analysis identified that age at menarche, changes in FSS and VAS scores as contributors to 38.4% of the variance explained in the significant regression for change in MSQ score. Individuals with prolonged fatigue, muscle- joint pain and dyspnea symptoms showed increase in MSQ total scores (P = 0.006, P = 0.009, P = 0.046 respectively) and MSQ negative effects/somatic complaints scores (P = 0.004, P = 0.002, P = 0.017 respectively). Individuals with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms showed increase in MSQ pain symptoms (P = 0.029) and MSQ coping methods scores (P = 0.002), while those with prolonged muscle and joint pain showed increase in MSQ coping methods (P = 0.022) scores. Conclusion(s): The results of this study indicated that menstrual symptoms, fatigue, and menstrual pain severity are deteriorated in women recovered from COVID-19. Age at menarche, changes in fatigue and menstrual pain after COVID-19 were determiners of the deteriorated menstrual symptoms. Menstrual symptoms were more severe in those who have prolonged fatigue, dyspnea, muscle- joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Copyright © 2022 The Author(s).

Endometriosis and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Endometriosis is defined as ectopic endometrial tissues dispersed outside the endometrium. This can cause disruption in hormonal and immunological processes, which may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Worsening of endometriosis symptoms may occur as a result of this infection. The aim of our review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in endometriosis patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched, using the keywords: (endometriosis) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2). Forest plots and pooled estimates were created using the Open Meta Analyst software. After screening 474 articles, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analyses. A total of 17,799 patients were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in endometriosis patients was 7.5%. Pooled estimates for the health impacts were 47.2% for decreased access to medical care, 49.3% increase in dysmenorrhea, 75% increase in anxiety, 59.4% increase in depression, and 68.9% increase in fatigue. Endometriosis patients were undeniably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the worsening of symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Coping with dysmenorrhea: a qualitative analysis of period pain management among students who menstruate.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea, or period pain, affects up to 95% of menstruating individuals and is a common cause of educational absenteeism among students who menstruate worldwide. Evidence suggests that students may lack sufficient knowledge about their menstrual health, which may impede self-management. The aim of the current study was to explore pain management strategies used by students in Ireland with painful periods and to identify their unaddressed needs across physical, psychological, educational, and social domains. METHODS: This study used a qualitative, interpretive design and opportunity sampling approach to collect and interpret individual accounts of dysmenorrhea from third-level students in Ireland. Data from 21 students were collected using semi-structured online one-to-one interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in the construction of five themes: (1) Pain management is self-directed trial-and-error, (2) Home as safe haven, (3) Prioritising productivity over pain, (4) We're missing an option between 'normalise' and 'medicalise', and (5) Cycle of censorship and concealment. Overall, limited formal education on dysmenorrhea and prevailing negative attitudes towards menstruation create an unsupportive environment for students to learn adequate coping skills. Beyond education, menstrual stigma may also restrict the availability of clear management guidance in domestic and medical spheres. Experiences of dysmenorrhea were also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where work-from-home measures were viewed favourably by individuals with dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that students in Ireland are inadequately prepared to cope with dysmenorrhea. The current findings have substantial implications for evaluating and reforming current menstrual education standards, in addition to clarifying the negative effects of social stigma on menstrual health literacy.

Menstrual abnormalities after COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review is to give a comprehensive interpretation of menstrual cycle changes after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, it is imperative to assess reports of menstrual changes following vaccination to dispel concerns that COVID-19 vaccines hinder the likelihood of pregnancy in the long run. A literature review was conducted using digital databases to systematically identify the studies reporting any menstrual abnormalities after the COVID-19 vaccine. Detailed patient-level study characteristics including the type of study, sample size, administered vaccines, and menstrual abnormalities were abstracted. A total of 78 138 vaccinated females were included in this review from 14 studies. Of these, 39 759 (52.05%) had some form of a menstrual problem after vaccination. Due to the lack of published research articles, preprints were also included in this review. Menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and polymenorrhea were the most commonly observed problems and the overall study-level rate of menstrual abnormality ranged from 0.83% to 90.9%. Age, history of pregnancy, systemic side-effects of COVID-19, smoking, and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine were predictors of menstrual problems after vaccination.

Alteraciones menstruales tras la vacunación contra la COVID-19: revisión sistemática Resumen El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es aportar una interpretación amplia sobre los cambios de los ciclos menstruales tras la vacunación contra la COVID-19. Además, es imperativo evaluar los informes sobre los cambios menstruales tras la vacunación, para disipar preocupaciones en cuanto a que las vacunas contra la COVID-19 dificultan la probabilidad de embarazo a largo plazo. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura utilizando bases de datos digitales para identificar sistemáticamente los estudios que reportan cualquier alteración menstrual tras la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Se resumieron las características detalladas del estudio al nivel del paciente, incluyendo tipo de estudio, tamaño de la muestra, vacunas administradas, y alteraciones menstruales. Se incluyó en la revisión a un total de 78 138 mujeres vacunadas, procedentes de 14 estudios. De ellas, 39 759 (52,05%) tuvieron algún tipo de problema menstrual tras la vacunación. Debido a la falta de artículos de investigación publicados, también se incluyeron preimpresos en esta revisión. Menorragia, metrorragia, y polimenorrea fueron los problemas más comúnmente observados, oscilando la tasa global de alteraciones menstruales a nivel de estudios entre el 0,83 y el 90,9%. La edad, los antecedentes de embarazos, los efectos secundarios sistémicos de la COVID-19, el tabaquismo y la segunda dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 fueron factores predictivos de problemas menstruales tras la vacunación.

Frequency of psychological stress among women with new onset menstrual disorders amid corona pandemic lockdown

Objectives: To determine the frequency of psychological stress and associated demographic factors among women with new onset menstrual disorders amid corona pandemic lockdown. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Air Force Faisal Base Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from 1st April 2020 to 31st July 2020. All women presented in the outpatient department or sought advice through telemedicine with new onset menstrual disorders during lockdown of COVID-19 were included. Information like age, parity, educational status, employment status, last menstrual period, previous cycle, new onset dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome were collected. Furthermore, level of stress was assessed by using 10 item Perceived Stress Sale questionnaire described by Sheldon Cohen in 1983. Results: Of total 916 women who consulted the department physically or through telemedicine, 59 (31.3%) had new onset disease. The frequency of different types of new onset menstrual problem were scanty menstrual flow 21 (35.6%), oligomenorrhea 6 (10.2%), menorrhagia 5 (8.5%), amenorrhea 4 (6.8%), and polymenorrhagia 2 (3.4%). New onset premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea were present in 39 (66.1%) and 31 (52.5%) respectively. A significant association of premenstrual syndrome was observed with age (p-value 0.003), parity (p-value 0.045), educational status (p-value 0.007), and menstrual pattern (p-value 0.037). Furthermore, moderate stress was observed in 57 (96.6%) while severe in 2 (3.4%) patients. Conclusion: Among women presented with new onset menstrual disorders in gynecological outpatient, a considerable number reflected increased level of psychological stress during COVID-19 lock down.

Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Menstruation: A Retrospective Study

Background: The global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected a large subset of women in the reproductive age-group, but the effect of COVID-19 infection on menstruation is still unclear. This study outlines the influence of COVID-19 infection on the menstrual cycle. Methods: Women in the reproductive age-group, admitted with COVID-19 infection were followed up with a structured telephonic interview. Women with previously regular menstrual cycles were included in the study. The questions included severity of COVID-19 infection, details of menstrual cycle before and after the infection, and COVID-related stress recorded by Perceived Stress Scale-10. Results: Data from 350 women with COVID-19 infection were presented. Moreover, 59.1% (n = 207) of women reported a change in their menstrual cycles. About 43.7% (n = 153) noted changes in the volume of flow with 78.4% (n = 120/153) experiencing less flow. Irregular menstrual cycles were reported by 37.1% (n = 130) women, 50.8% (n = 66/130), experienced infrequent menstruation, with delay varying from 45 to 90 days, and 13.8% (n = 18/130) of these women also experienced intermenstrual spotting. Most of these women recovered, and only 17.1% continue to have irregular menstrual cycles even after 1 year of COVID infection. Moreover, 34.28% (n = 120) reported worsening of premenstrual symptoms, and 22.44% (n = 55) reported worsening of dysmenorrhea after the COVID-19 infection. The stress score was not significantly associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection (p >0.05). Social factors like concern about health of other family members, quarantine, and isolation were the biggest contributors to stress. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection and associated stress can influence normal menstruation. Clinical significance: The findings of this study outline the short-and long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on menstruation. This information can be used to reassure the patients and will be helpful in counseling to allay their fears related to altered menstrual cycles after the COVID-19 infection.

Dysmenorrhea among Female University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological symptom among adolescent girls and young women. It can have a significant impact on females' quality of life. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea among Iraqi university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted across different universities, including (College of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry) in Baghdad/Iraq, from March to May 2021. The data was collected through a self-questionnaire of 1312 Iraqi female university students. Dysmenorrhea was reported by (51.5%) of university students. Nearly one-third (32.1%) of participants rating dysmenorrhea as mild, (13.3%) moderate, and (6.1%) severe. Approximately (18.1%) of participants reported worsening of their menstrual pain, (21.3%) reported irregular menstrual cycles, (35.5%) reported increasing in learning difficulties, and (13.4%) reported increasing in the medication used to treat dysmenorrhea during the pandemic. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between dysmenorrhea and the age of students, menstrual irregularity, medication use, and students who had Covid-19 infection (p-value <0.005). In addition, there was a highly significantly relationship between dysmenorrhea and learning disabilities as well as poor interpersonal relationships among Iraqi university students during the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value <0.001). According to the findings, dysmenorrhea has a negative impact on students' attendance, academic performance, and their interpersonal interactions during the COVID 19 pandemic. Future studies need to focus on improving pain management strategies to reduce the effects of dysmenorrhea so that young women can optimize their educational and future life opportunities. © 2022 Sami Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Effect of Manual Therapy Compared to Ibuprofen on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Women-Concentration Assessment of C-Reactive Protein, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Prostaglandins and Sex Hormones.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess if manual therapy, compared to ibuprofen, impacts the concentration of inflammatory factors, sex hormones, and dysmenorrhea in young women Methods: Thirty-five women, clinically diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, were included in the study. They were divided into group A-manual therapy (n = 20) and group B-ibuprofen therapy (n = 15). Inflammatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), E2 (PGE2) and sex hormones levels were measured. Dysmenorrhea assessed with the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), myofascial trigger points, and muscle flexibility were examined before and after the interventions. RESULTS: The difference in the level of 17-ß-estradiol after manual and ibuprofen therapy was significant, as compared to baseline (p = 0.036). Progesterone levels decreased in group A (p = 0.002) and B (p = 0.028). The level of CRP was negatively correlated with sex hormones. Decrease in dysmenorrhea was significant in both groups (group A p = 0.016, group B p = 0.028). Non-significant differences were reported in prostaglandins, VEGF and CRP levels, in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in CRP, prostaglandins and VEGF factors after manual or ibuprofen therapy. It has been shown that both manual therapy and ibuprofen can decrease progesterone levels. Manual therapy had a similar effect on the severity of dysmenorrhea as ibuprofen, but after manual therapy, unlike after ibuprofen, less muscles with dysfunction were detected in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

Female Reproductive Health Disturbance Experienced During the COVID-19 Pandemic Correlates With Mental Health Disturbance and Sleep Quality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health. Periods of psychological distress can induce menstrual dysfunction. We previously demonstrated a significant disruption in women's reproductive health during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The present study investigates longer-term reproductive and mental health disturbances. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1335 women of reproductive age in April 2021. It included validated standardized measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and sleep quality (PSQI). 581 (56%) of women reported an overall change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the pandemic. There was no change in median cycle length [28 days (28-30)] or days of menses [5 (4-5)], but there was a wider variability in minimum (p<0.0001) and maximum (p<0.0001) cycle length. There was a significant increase in heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods and missed periods compared to pre-pandemic (all p<0.0001). 64% of women reported worsening pre-menstrual symptoms. Rates of severe depression, anxiety and poor sleep were more than double those from large scale representative community samples. Poor sleep quality was an independent predictor of overall change in menstrual cycle (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.05-1.18), and missed periods (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.03-1.19) during the pandemic. Increased anxiety was independently associated with a change from non-painful to painful periods (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11) and worsening of pre-menstrual symptoms (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.07) during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bear a significant impact on female reproductive health. Increased levels of psychological distress and poor sleep are associated with menstrual cycle disruption.