Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on the Menstrual Health

Abstract

Background: The implementation of vaccines is a major step in saving humanity from the consequences of COVID-19, and there has become hope for everyone in the world. Menstruation is a key indicator of overall women's health. The COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with changes in the menstrual cycle. Objective: To evaluate the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle. Methods: This is a face-to-face interview-based cross-sectional study that recruited 403 vaccinated women with the COVID-19 vaccine who had normal MC before receiving the vaccine for at least six months in Mosul, Iraq, from February 1 to July 31, 2022. We asked the women about their menstrual cycle parameters before and after the vaccination. The results were analyzed statistically. Results: The most frequent age group among study participants was 20–34 years (52.9%). About half of women (58.3%) had received the Pfizer vaccine. 12.2% and 13.65% of women reported significant changes in their menstrual cycle following the first and second doses, respectively. These changes included irregularities in the cycle and modifications in the amount and duration of menses, and the Pfizer vaccine was significantly responsible for these changes. Conclusions: In a small number of women who had a normal menstrual cycle before vaccination, post-Covid-19 vaccination menstrual cycle changes occurred, and the reported changes were not critical. This result can reassure the community about the vaccine's impact on the menstrual cycle.