ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been widely administered throughout the global community to minimize the morbidity and mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although generally well-tolerated, these vaccines have generated some unwanted consequences, including thrombosis and menstrual irregularities. The effect of vaccination on female reproductive function has also been questioned. The aim of this review is to give readers a clear understanding of the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on thrombosis, reproductive function, and menstrual irregularities by systemically analyzing the available literature. The available evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines have a minimal impact on ovarian reserve. Furthermore, in vitro fertilization outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination remain unimpaired compared to those who did not receive the vaccines. Current evidence supports a certain degree of impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle, with the most frequent alteration being menstrual irregularity, followed by menorrhagia. These changes are generally well-tolerated and transient, lasting less than 2 months. This review, by providing information with up-to-date references on this issue, may enhance readers' understanding of the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on female reproductive function and the menstrual cycle.
ABSTRACT
Menstruation is a monthly shedding of the uterine wall, presented by menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age. Menstruation is regulated by fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone, as well as other endocrine and immune pathways. Many women experienced menstrual disturbances after vaccination against the novel coronavirus in the last two years. Vaccine-induced menstrual disturbances have led to discomfort and concern among reproductive-age women, such that some decided not to receive the subsequent doses of the vaccine. Although many vaccinated women report these menstrual disturbances, the mechanism is still poorly understood. This review article discusses the endocrine and immune changes following COVID-19 vaccination and the possible mechanisms of vaccine-related menstrual disturbances.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate ifthe COVID-19vaccine produces changes in the menstrual pattern, type ofchange anddysmenorrhea. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study. 6616 digital surveys were carried out on women who received a vaccine against COVID-19. Asurvey was applied via networks and in gynecological consultations. Percentages and 95 %confidence intervals were calculated from 2x2 tables, menstrual changes were analyzed in the sample and in subgroups according to type of vaccine, number of doses, age, and residence. Results: 86.5 % (3535/4087) reported menstrual changes, the most frequent being: menstrual delay (40.4 %) and heavier menstrual bleeding (37.7 %). Dysmenorrhea presented in 39 % accompanying menstrual changes, but 2.1 % as the only symptom. A statistically significant difference was observed: 1) more menstrual changes with mechanism of action chimpanzee viral vector when compared to inactivated virus, 2) human viral vector and inactivated virus more menstrual changes 18-34 years compared to 35-50 years and less changes when compared to chimpanzee viral vector in 35-50 years 3) mRNA was the least associated with menstrual absence when compared to human viral vector 53 % and chimpanzee 50 % more frequent. Conclusion: Menstrual changes are very common after vaccination against COVID-19, this being related to the type of vaccine administered. Some mechanisms of action seem to be related to a greater or lesser risk of specific menstrual changes. © 2023 Sociedad de Obstetricia y Ginecologia de Venezuela. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: There has been increasing public concern that COVID-19 vaccines cause menstrual cycle disturbances. There are concerns that vaccination against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be associated with abnormal menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, clinical trials of the current COVID-19 vaccines did not collect menstrual cycle outcomes post-vaccine. According to social media reports, menstrual disturbances are much more common, but these disturbances are temporary. Menstrual cyclicity is an overt sign of health and fertility. This normal variability may be perceived as concerning, especially in conjunction with a new exposure such as COVID-19 vaccination. This study evaluates the menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination in three studies. Method(s): We analyzed three retrospective cohort studies of menstrual cycle data that were collected prospectively from October 2020 to March 2021 in the UK and US and Oslo. Result(s): The first study in the UK found that among premenopausal vaccinated individuals who menstruated in the 12 months preceding the survey, 20% reported any changes to their menstrual cycles up to 4 months after receiving their first injection. In the second study that was done in the US (2019), individuals had been evaluated to determine whether COVID- 19 vaccination was associated with menstrual cycle disturbances during cycles when vaccination occurs. They found that individuals with normal menstrual cycles experienced small variations in cycle length. The third study that was done in Oslo (2021) showed the prevalence of unusually heavy and prolonged bleeding, short intermenstrual intervals, and increased pain during periods was higher after the first vaccine dose compared to the prior vaccination. Conclusion(s): There is currently limited data to evaluate the impact of vaccination on menstrual health, and it limits our ability to sufficiently address these concerns.
ABSTRACT
Researchers have been studying COVID-19 from day one, but not much is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the reproductive system, specifically the female reproductive system. There has been substantial anecdotal and media coverage on the effect of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system and changes in the menstrual cycle, but so far available data are not robust enough to draw firm conclusions about the topic. This article was carried out to present already published studies on the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and menstrual cycle changes. A systematic literature search was conducted on the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Three studies were finally included in the review. The findings of the studies indicate changes in menstrual volume and changes in menstrual cycle length as consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection; the latter was also the most common menstrual irregularity reported by the included studies. Women have mainly reported decreased menstrual volume and a prolonged cycle. The findings also indicate that the severity of COVID-19 does not play a role in menstrual cycle changes. However, the research on this topic is still too scarce to draw definitive conclusions, and there is a need for further research. The relevant conclusions, which could be drawn only from a well-constructed study, would have a major effect on defining the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the menstrual cycle.