Analysis of sex hormone, menstruation and ovarian reserve in COVID-19 women of child-bearing age: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Research question Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection has effects on ovarian reserve, sex hormone and menstruation of women of child-bearing age. Design This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Clinical and laboratory data from 237 women of child-bearing age diagnosed with COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed. Menstrual data from 177 patients were analyzed. Blood samples from the early follicular phase were tested for sex hormones and Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). Results Among 237 patients confirmed with COVID-19, severely ill patients had more comorbidities than mildly ill patients (34% vs 8%), especially for patients with diabetes, hepatic disease and malignant tumors. Among 177 patients with menstrual records, 45 (25%) patients presented with menstrual volume changes, and 50 (28%) patients had menstrual cycle changes, mainly a decreased volume (21%) and a prolonged cycle (19%). The average sex hormone and AMH levels of women of child-bearing age with COVID-19 were not different from those of age-matched controls. Conclusions; Average sex hormone levels and ovarian reserve did not change significantly in COVID-19 women of child-bearing age. Nearly one-fifth of patients exhibited a menstrual volume decrease or cycle prolongation. The menstruation changes of these patients might be the consequence of transient sex hormone change cause by suppression of ovarian function that soon resumed after recovery.