The impact of war on the psycho-emotional state and reproductive health of women: a clinical study of menstrual cycle disorders

The increase in the psycho-emotional stress level among the female population of Ukraine as a result of the war makes it urgent to study the effects of chronic stress on reproductive health, in particular on menstrual function.The objective: to analyze retrospectively the gynecological pathology in women under chronic stress and to study the effectiveness of dietary supplements in the complex treatment of women with menstrual cycle disorders (MCDs) under chronic stress.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of medical documentation of women who consulted the female consultation of the CNCE “City Student Hospital” of the Kharkiv City Council during 2023 (1052 women) – 2024 (5183 women) was conducted. A separate complex examination of women with MCDs and chronic stress was conducted in 2023 (n = 50) and 2024 (n = 50) with the involvement of an endocrinologist, neurologist, and psychologist. To assess hormonal status, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisol were determined in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In 2024, 50 patients were prescribed a complex treatment, which included basic therapy according to the diagnosis and additional use of dietary supplements, which included a blend of powdered plant extracts: common yarrow fruits – 87.74 mg, Chinese angelica roots – 87.74 mg, six-petaled meadowsweet roots – 87.74 mg, fresh curly parsley roots – 36.12 mg, fresh celery roots – 36.12 mg, common yarrow herb – 32.26 mg, marigold flowers – 32.26 mg (1 capsule 2 times a day for 3 months) and marine magnesium “Simag 55” – 272 mg, orotic acid (vitamin B13) – 25 mg, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) – 2.7 mg (2 capsules at night for 3 months). Complaints, general condition, tolerability and effectiveness of therapy were assessed before the start of treatment, during the course and after 3 months.Results. A wide range of MSDs was detected in patients: from amenorrhea and hypomenorrhea to hyperpolymenorrhea and algodysmenorrhea. Associated symptoms of chronic stress were typical: headache, anxiety, emotional instability, sleep disturbances, tremor, fatigue. Hormonal imbalance was manifested by increased levels of prolactin and cortisol, reduced levels of progesterone. In the patients who have received dietary supplements, a statistically significant improvement in the clinical condition, normalization of the hormonal profile and reduction of stress symptoms were found, which indicates the effectiveness of the combined therapeutic approach.Conclusions. Chronic stress against the background of war is a significant factor in the development of menstrual disorders in women of reproductive age. Comprehensive treatment with the inclusion of phytotherapeutic and magnesium-containing dietary supplements demonstrates positive dynamics in the normalization of hormonal balance and psycho-emotional state of patients. The results of the study can be used to develop effective approaches to medical care for women in crisis conditions.