The impact of war-related somatic traumas on women’s reproductive health and psychological status

Background. Somatic trauma can have a significant impact on women’s reproductive health due to impaired neuroendocrine regulation and the development of psycho-emotional stress. The war in Ukraine in recent years has led to an increase in injuries among the civilian population, including women of reproductive age, but the impact of somatic trauma in war on reproductive function remains poorly understood. Women with concomitant endocrine and gynecological pathologies, who may be more vulnerable to stress, require special attention. Objective of the study: to evaluate the impact of different types of somatic traumas sustained during the war on the reproductive health and psycho-emotional state of women. Materials and methods. The cross-sectional study included 64 women aged 18–45 years (mean age 31.4 ± 6.7 years) who sustained injuries as a result of hostilities in 2022–2024. Research sample was formed on the basis of the First Territorial Medical Association of Lviv. The inclusion criteria were documented injuries as a result of hostilities, the absence of cancer or severe somatic diseases before the injury. Data were collected through clinical interviews, medical records analysis, and HADS scores. Full feedback was provided by 56 women. Results. The most common injuries among the women studied were gunshot / explosion injuries, traumatic brain injuries and limb injuries. Amenorrhea (57.1%) was the most common reproductive disorder, while the strongest associations were found between gunshot / explosive injuries and decreased libido and dyspareunia, and between traumatic brain injuries and decreased libido. Women with these injuries also had higher levels of anxiety and depression. The concomitant polycystic ovary syndrome had a negative impact on women’s psycho-emotional status, as patients with a history of this disease demonstrated significantly higher levels of anxiety. Conclusions. Somatic traumas sustained in war significantly impair women’s reproductive health, with the nature and severity of gynecological complaints depending on the type of trauma sustained. Disorganization of the psycho-emotional state of women against the background of trauma leads to increased levels of anxiety and depression, especially among women with concomitant polycystic ovary syndrome, which should be taken into account in the multidisciplinary management of these patients.