Menstrual Changes after COVID-19 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced various stressors, including infection and vaccination, potentially impacting women's reproductive health.
• Previous observations suggested factors like stress, depression, infection, and vaccination could influence menstrual cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate menstrual cycle changes in women following COVID-19 infection.
• To determine if COVID-19 vaccination leads to alterations in the menstrual cycle.
• To characterize the nature of menstrual cycle changes post-infection or vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 778 menstruating women aged 18-50 years.
• Data collected focused on menstrual cycles occurring within three cycles after COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Main Results:

• 35.7% of women infected with COVID-19 reported menstrual pattern changes.
• 15.1% of women who received COVID-19 vaccines experienced menstrual pattern changes.
• Menstrual changes were more frequently reported after Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac (CoronaVac) vaccinations. Few women sought medical consultation.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infection and vaccination are associated with changes in women's menstrual cycles.
• Healthcare providers and women should be informed about potential menstrual cycle alterations post-COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
• Increased awareness can facilitate informed health management and reduce anxiety related to these changes.