Can women are experiencing irregularities in their menstrual cycles after receiving a COVID vaccine?
Celine Abuga
Over recent weeks, news reports have indicated some women are experiencing irregularities in
their menstrual cycles after receiving a COVID vaccine. This has included periods arriving early
and being heavier than usual, or being absent or late, among other changes. This came after
Women shared their personal stories about this on social media.
their menstrual cycles after receiving a COVID vaccine. This has included periods arriving early
and being heavier than usual, or being absent or late, among other changes. This came after
Women shared their personal stories about this on social media.
Due to this, several researches have been done to find out if it’s true. The COVID-19 vaccine
can come with many (totally normal) side effects, like a fever, chills, and muscle pain. So it is
only natural to wonder if it can temporarily influence other aspects of your health, like your
menstrual cycle.
can come with many (totally normal) side effects, like a fever, chills, and muscle pain. So it is
only natural to wonder if it can temporarily influence other aspects of your health, like your
menstrual cycle.
First, there's no reason not to get vaccinated when you have your period; neither the CDC nor the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists being on your period as a
reason to put off the vaccine.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists being on your period as a
reason to put off the vaccine.
In this regard, the vaccine could possibly affect your cycle indirectly too. Some women may be
stressed about getting the vaccine, while others will feel relieved at being vaccinated.
The good news is that if you experience disruptions to only one cycle — whatever the reason —
there’s likely no need to be concerned. If irregular, painful or heavy periods persist for more than
three months, and then speak to your doctor.
stressed about getting the vaccine, while others will feel relieved at being vaccinated.
The good news is that if you experience disruptions to only one cycle — whatever the reason —
there’s likely no need to be concerned. If irregular, painful or heavy periods persist for more than
three months, and then speak to your doctor.
But anecdotal reports of some menstrual irregularities is not a reason to avoid getting the
vaccine. Getting infected with COVID-19 is much more likely to interfere with your health,
including your menstrual health.
vaccine. Getting infected with COVID-19 is much more likely to interfere with your health,
including your menstrual health.
There’s certainly no scientific basis to reports some women have experienced changes to their
periods from simply being around people who have been vaccinated.
periods from simply being around people who have been vaccinated.
If you’re eligible to receive a vaccine, then do so. And if you do have a heavier period next
month, think of it like a temporary side effect, and try not to worry.
month, think of it like a temporary side effect, and try not to worry.
At this stage, there’s no research evidence to support these anecdotal reports. But it is plausible
there might be a link, and it’s worth researching further.
there might be a link, and it’s worth researching further.
