The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularities
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 17th, 2022
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There have been many anecdotal reports of menstrual irregularities and vaginal bleeding following administration of COVID-19 vaccines. However, the risk profile and mechanism behind the interaction is currently unknown. A recent observation study published in the Lancet offers insight on the topic.
6 million women - older than 18 years old - participated in the study. They were asked to self-report any menstrual abnormality after receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, menstrual abnormality is quite rare - only reported by 63,815 participants, which is 1% of the study population. 83.6% of them experience problems with the timing of their menstruation (missed period, delayed period, etc.), and 67% reported heightened intensity (heavier menstrual flow, worse cramp, more mood swing, etc.). A small number (4%) of them reported menopause bleeding and 2% experience resumption of menses that would have stopped due to either IUD or testosterone hormone therapy.
However, it should be noted that menstrual irregularities are common in the population. In studies conducted in Korea, Japan, and Ethiopia before the COVID-19 pandemic found that the prevalence of menstrual irregularities was estimated to be between 14% and 33%. In addition, the prevalence of menopause bleeding is 11% in the population. Thus, based on the current literature, COVID-19 vaccination had little effect on menstruation.
6 million women - older than 18 years old - participated in the study. They were asked to self-report any menstrual abnormality after receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, menstrual abnormality is quite rare - only reported by 63,815 participants, which is 1% of the study population. 83.6% of them experience problems with the timing of their menstruation (missed period, delayed period, etc.), and 67% reported heightened intensity (heavier menstrual flow, worse cramp, more mood swing, etc.). A small number (4%) of them reported menopause bleeding and 2% experience resumption of menses that would have stopped due to either IUD or testosterone hormone therapy.
However, it should be noted that menstrual irregularities are common in the population. In studies conducted in Korea, Japan, and Ethiopia before the COVID-19 pandemic found that the prevalence of menstrual irregularities was estimated to be between 14% and 33%. In addition, the prevalence of menopause bleeding is 11% in the population. Thus, based on the current literature, COVID-19 vaccination had little effect on menstruation.