Magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among young girls: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 second wave in India

BACKGROUND: Several symptoms are typically experienced after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Worldwide, a lot of women are reporting irregularities in their menstrual cycles post-COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of menstrual pattern among young girls during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the risk factors related to lifestyle among young girls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire encompassing details of the menstrual pattern, features of hyperandrogenism, lifestyle, and comorbidity among young girls aged 16-24 years. RESULTS: The data from 508 girls fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The prevalence of irregular menstrual cycle was found to be 29.1%. Further analysis revealed that a significant percentage of girls with irregular menstrual cycle suffer from depression (14.9%) and are often staying stressed (40.5%) in comparison to the girls having regular menstrual cycle. Also, a total of 58 girls out of 508 were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Among various comorbid conditions, obesity was found in 60% of girls having PCOS followed by an eating disorder. CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in irregular menstrual cycle in young girls was found during the second wave of COVID-19. The risk factors for causing the irregular menstrual cycle were found to be insomnia, stress, and depression