Examination of premenstrual syndrome prevalence and quality of life in women after COVID-19

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women who have recovered from Covid-19, examine the effects of the disease on their quality of life, and propose potential solutions. Material and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and September 2023 with 384 patients and their relatives who presented to the outpatient clinics of Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital in Manisa, Turkey. Data were collected using the "Demographic Information Form," the "Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMS Scale)," and the "EUROHIS-QOL WHO Quality of Life Scale." The data were gathered through face-to-face surveys and analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Standard Concurrent User V26 program. Results: In this study, the total quality of life scale score was found to be 27,55±5,38 before Covid-19 and 27,52±5,48 after Covid-19. Similarly, the total PMS scale score was 133,44±37,26 before Covid-19 and 135,46±36,85 after Covid-19. A statistically significant difference (p<0,05) was observed between menstrual period characteristics following Covid-19 and the subscales of Depressed Mood, Anxiety, Fatigue, Depressive Thoughts, Pain, Appetite Changes, Sleep Changes, Total PMS Scale Score, and Total EUROHIS-QOL Score. When the relationship between women's PMS scale scores and quality of life scale scores was examined, a statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found (r = -0.342, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in the occurrence of PMS following Covid-19. However, it was determined that PMS and Covid-19 were associated with a negative impact on the participants' quality of life. Keywords: Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, PMS, Quality of Life, Menstrual Cycle