Is COVID-19 Vaccination Associated with Menstrual Irregularities? Myth vs. Reality

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

2 Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

3 Institute of Clinical & Translational Research, Clinical Investigation Programme, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

10.30476/whb.2026.108341.1371

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with changes in menstrual patterns, including alterations in cycle length and blood flow in some women. The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities among women receiving different COVID-19 vaccines, including Sinovac, Sinopharm, Pfizer, and Moderna, across Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted from April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 in Pakistan. A convenience sampling was used to include women of reproductive age across Pakistan through an anonymous online survey checklist administered in English and Urdu. A checklist was used to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination history, menstrual symptoms before and after vaccination, and other non-menstrual post-vaccination symptoms. Women with preexisting gynecological conditions, pregnant women, and those with incomplete responses were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between menstrual symptoms and COVID-19 vaccination status. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the respondents, 693 (88.5%) received two vaccine doses, primarily Pfizer (36.8%), Sinopharm (30.9%), and Sinovac (24.4%). Our study found significant associations between vaccination status and both menstrual flow (P=0.001) and intermenstrual bleeding (P=0.037). Common general symptoms following vaccination included fatigue, muscle pain, and reactions at the injection site.
Conclusion: No significant changes in menstrual patterns were observed in relation to COVID-19 vaccination, aside from minor changes in flow and intermenstrual bleeding. Future research should encompass a larger, more diverse population across age groups to comprehensively assess any potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularities.

Keywords

References

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