A study by several universities has reassured women that Covid-19 vaccination does not significantly affect menstrual cycles. The research indicates that the vaccine does not pose major menstrual risks, alleviating concerns for women hesitant to receive it due to potential impacts on their periods. In contrast, women who contracted Covid-19 showed a heightened risk for menstrual irregularities, including heavier bleeding, missed periods, and mid-cycle bleeding. The study analyzed survey data from nearly 5,000 pre-menopausal vaccinated participants, with 82% reporting no menstrual changes post-vaccination. Among those experiencing changes, higher risks were noted in women who smoked, had previously contracted Covid-19, or were not using oestradiol-containing contraceptives. The broader investigation involving over 12,000 participants confirmed that vaccination alone did not increase menstrual anomalies compared to those unvaccinated and without a Covid-19 history. The findings provide valuable insights into how vaccination and infection influence menstrual health, aiding healthcare professionals in counseling women on menstrual risks associated with vaccination versus infection. Though the study’s reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases, its results remain encouraging regarding vaccine safety in relation to menstrual health. The research was published in the journal iScience.
