As we are currently pacing through the COVID-19 vaccination program rollout, a proportion of women from various countries are claiming menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination. Some women have claimed that they’ve experienced unusual, shorter or longer, lighter or heavier periods following vaccination. Whilst experts seem to be contradicting such reports, Wham.com.mt asked the question directly to Maltese women. Before listening to real women’s experiences, let us evaluate the current scientific evidence available on the subject.
Scientific Evidence on Menstrual Changes following COVID-19 Vaccination
Unfortunately, although I’ve searched thoroughly for evidence based information on the subject, there doesn’t seem to be much out yet, most probably since it is still way too early for any studies to have been performed, let alone published and reviewed.
An official document published by the WHO providing background evidence on the recommendations for the vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca mentions no side effects or adverse effects related to the menstrual cycle. Additionally, the WHO addressed other questions in a different document, this time based on scientific evidence about all the currently available COVID-19 vaccines, yet once again, no reference to menstrual cycle changes was listed (WHO, 2021).
In a very recent commentary published in the New York Times, author, Alice Lu-Culligan, an M.D.-Ph.D. student at Yale School of Medicine, claimed that many women have been coming forward complaining of changes in their menstrual cycle following the COVID-19 vaccination. And while such changes can be the result of stress, dietary or exercise changes and other factors, this shouldn’t rule out any vaccine-related-effect possibility, and as she rightly put it, lack of information on how vaccines affect the menstrual cycle is “part of a long history of medicine not taking women’s bodies seriously” (Lu-Culligan and Randi, 2021).
The author also explains that the menstrual cycle has to do with both hormones (including estrogen and progesterone) and the immune system (where immune cells and signals move in and out of the reproductive tract, facilitating the thickening and thinning action of the uterine lining). Could it be that the vaccines, which we know aim to ignite a response from the immune system, cause changes in the menstrual cycle too?
In a separate newspaper, Chicago Tribune, apart from featuring similar claims by other women, the article refers to a currently ongoing survey which Dr. Kathryn Clancy is using for research purposes on the subject. Clancy advised that anyone experiencing abnormal period symptoms following vaccination should talk to a GP. Additionally, post-menopausal women who experience any bleeding should also contact their GP. In the same article, OB-GYN Dr. Julie Levitt emphasised that menstrual changes following vaccination should neither be a subject of concern, nor a reason to stop taking birth control (Stock, 2021).
What Are Maltese Women Saying?
Wham conducted a short unscientific survey on the Women for Women (Malta) group, asking women with regular menstrual cycles to note their experience with regards to their menstrual cycle following COVID-19 vaccination. As at 10th May 2021, 79 women took part in this survey…
- 57% of participating women said that their menstrual cycle didn’t change following vaccination
- 19% of participating women said that they experienced a delayed period with normal flow
- 12% of participating women said that they experienced a heavier flow
- 6% of participating women said that they experienced a delayed period with heavier flow
- 6% of participating women said that they experienced periods with heavier menstrual clots
During this survey, certain women voiced their concern after having experienced quite a different period than they usually do…
“Finally someone is going to speak about this! Super heavy and longer than usual! More blood clots, hormonal changes and mood imbalance…. Not normal at all!”
Anonymous
“My first period was a week after taking AstraZeneca. Super heavy face filled with pimples like I never had before. And hormones were crazy out of balanced. Definitely not normal for me. Despite it being on time”
Rebecca C.
“Thank you for raising this issue as I think it is very relevant to the vaccine… I had my vaccine on Monday. I’m not supposed to have my next cycle until the 19th May. Well surprise surprise!! Did anyone experience anything like this?”
Anonymous
Reporting Adverse Effects
Whilst menstrual cycle changes should not be of huge concern, it is good that women are coming together to speak about their experiences in this regard. This does NOT mean that menstrual cycle changes experienced post vaccination are definitely related to the vaccine, as only thorough research and studies can confirm or deny connection between the two. However, undesirable side effects can be reported on a number found on the vaccination appointment letter, or on the card given post vaccination. Such reports can help encourage studies on the subject.
I’m Worried…Should I Take The Vaccine or Not?
COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. Apart from the short-term side effects associated with contracting the virus, COVID-19 can cause long-term symptoms which last weeks or even months following the infection treatment.
Based on the currently available scientific evidence, individuals who have a history of severe allergic reactions to any of the COVID-19 vaccine ingredients, as well as those who are currently sick or experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms should be excluded from COVID-19 vaccination in order to avoid possible adverse effects (with the latter getting vaccinated once the main symptoms subside) (WHO, 2021).
If you are still worried or undecided about whether or not you should be vaccinated against COVID-19, it is best that you contact your GP or a medical professional who can give you the best advice based on your individual health history.
If you’d like to share your experience with us on the subject, please contact us or send us an email at [email protected]
Disclaimer: This article has been written for informational purposes only and should not be used to make medical diagnosis, give medical advice or prescribe medical treatment. Wham and its writers provide no warranty or guarantee as to, and assume no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, accuracy or completeness of information or recommendations in its content, or for any errors, omissions, or any outcomes related to your use of the information provided.
References
Lu-Culligan, A., & Randi, H. E. (2021). Can covid shots affect periods?: [op-ed]. New York Times Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ejournals.um.edu.mt/newspapers/can-covid-shots-affect-periods/docview/2516015987/se-2?accountid=27934
Stock, N. (2021). Menstruation changes after COVID-19 vaccine?: U. of I. professor is looking for answers after some women are reporting abnormal periods. Chicago Tribune Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ejournals.um.edu.mt/newspapers/menstruation-changes-after-covid-19-vaccine/docview/2517749466/se-2?accountid=27934
World Health Organization (2021). AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Oxford University and Astra Zeneca: Background paper (draft). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-vaccines-SAGE_recommendation-AZD1222-background-2021.1 on 6th May 2021
World Health Organization (2021). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Vaccines safety. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines-safety on 7th May 2021
Claire Galea is a mum of three currently reading for a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. She is keen about holistic patient-centered care as well as public education about health-related subjects, which she frequently writes about on Wham as a Content Writer and Website Editor.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
Click here to check out Claire’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
