Studies Shows Pandemic Stress Affected Women’s Menstrual Cycles
During the pandemic, many women experienced immense stress as they took on a disproportionate share of child care and housework and dropped out of the labor force in large numbers. A new study suggests that the additional stress may have changed women’s menstrual cycles in various ways. Women who reported high levels of stress also reported early or delayed periods. Some had a heavier menstrual flow or increased spotting between cycles. Others said their periods lasted longer or shorter during the pandemic stress than usual.
Martina Anto-Ocrah, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, considers the
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