Deciphering the association between Covid vaccine side effects and menstrual cycle

Abstract

Introduction and Aim:  In light of the ongoing pandemic Covid -19 and vaccination drive, our study intended to observe the association of reported side effects of Covid vaccine to menstrual cycle. There is no research done about covid vaccine effects on menstrual cycle.   Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted on females aged between 18-45 years who had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. The google form containing the questionnaire adhered to the CHERRIES guidelines for online surveys, was circulated for 10 days and had 14 questions on the menstrual cycle, Covid vaccines and their side effects. Out of the 886 responses obtained, 129 did not meet our inclusion criteria and hence, 757 responses were considered for statistical analysis. The data were subjected to descriptive, Chi-square tests.   Results: The data showed a significant (p=0.027) association of age with side effects of the Covid vaccine, with the younger age group experiencing more side effects than the older age group. The side effects of the Covid vaccine did not show association (p=0.34) to menstrual cycle phases nor there was significant (p= 0.87) disturbance to the menstrual cycle post-vaccination.   Conclusion: As there were no association of Covid vaccine effects to menstrual cycle, our study may allay apprehension in women who are going to take Covid vaccine and update guidance to health professionals during vaccination drive.