Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40564856 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15121536
Structural and Hormonal Changes in Reproductive-Age Women Post-COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Ultrasound and Biochemical Study.
Diagnostics (Basel) 15(12)
Authors: Sandugash Yerkenova, Vyacheslav Lokshin, Almagul Kurmanova, Sharapat Moiynbayeva, Galiya Alikeyeva, Gulnara Kalibekova, Tamara Abdirova, Zamira Zhantenova, Kuralay Shaikova, Alla Mireeva, Aknur Turgumbayeva
Affiliations
- Department of Science and Consulting, Kazakhstan Medical University "Higher School of Public Health", Almaty 050044, Kazakhstan.
- International Clinical Center of Reproductology "PERSONA", Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan.
- Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The long-term impact of COVID-19 on female reproductive health remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess structural and endocrine alterations in women of reproductive age who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to uninfected controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 women aged 18-45 years were enrolled in a comparative study: 75 with a confirmed history of COVID-19 and 75 without one. All participants underwent ultrasound examinations of their pelvic organs and mammary glands, along with laboratory assessment of reproductive hormones and inflammatory markers. Results: Structural abnormalities in the pelvic organs were observed in 53.5% of the post-COVID-19 group versus 12.0% of the control group (p < 0.001), with oophoritis showing a statistically significant association (OR = 11.38; 95% CI: 1.42-91.36; p = 0.009). Non-significant but elevated frequencies were also found for uterine fibroids and breast cysts. Biochemically, post-COVID-19 participants demonstrated higher serum ferritin, estradiol, and fibrinogen levels, along with lower TSH and AMH levels, suggesting potential endocrine disruption and persistent inflammation. Conclusions: Women with a history of COVID-19 may be at increased risk of developing structural and hormonal abnormalities, highlighting the importance of post-infection gynecological and endocrine monitoring. Further longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of these alterations.
MeSH
Estradiol, Reproductive Health, Covid-19, Breast, History, Infections