The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Menstrual Cycle in Saudi Females in Jeddah City

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the menstrual cycle of Saudi females in Jeddah City.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a total of 421 online surveys and phone call interviews with participants between 19 and 45 years of age, living in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, who were not pregnant, and had no gynecological problems or abnormalities. Interviews and surveys were conducted between January to April 2022, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results: Most responders were single and had a normal body mass index (BMI). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority (75.8%) did not have heavy, unpleasant periods (54.6%), or missed periods (54.6%, 78.1%, respectively). The majority reported changes observed in terms of premenstrual symptoms (PMS) (61.5%), and libido/sex drive remained unchanged for most (88.1%). Of those who reported heavy periods (n =125), 18.4% (n = 23) reported changes. Of the 239 females who did not experience pain before COVID-19, nine (3.8%) reported experiencing it during the pandemic.Conclusions: There were significant changes in the menstrual period of women in terms of bleeding, heavy and painful periods, and small differences in psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.