COVID and the menstrual cycle

Opinion piece on the changed period cycle post COVID-19 vaccination & COVID-19 infection

Coronavirus, or the COVID-19 pandemic has changed us all. It is something we will (hopefully) never again experience in our lives. The long lockdowns, the world coming to a stop, opportunities missed, and time taken from us. As a women’s health dietitian, and allied health professional, I always wondered about the long-term effects of a COVID-19 infection on our health. In another way, I wondered about the impact the vaccination would have on our future fertility.
From speaking with friends, I noticed an interesting trend begin to develop. Many friends who menstruate monthly, noticed a change to their cycles, post COVID-19 vaccine, and again after being infected with COVID-19. Personally, I had a change to my always regular cycle after my vaccine. I noticed a change again; the cycle following being infected with COVID-19.

Is this just a coincidental trend or is there some science behind it? The key issue is that there is very little research overall on periods, and menstrual cycles. This was surprising given how common they are in at least 50% of the population (human and animal species included).

I was excited to find that the research is growing and beginning to answer the exact question I am asking:

What is the impact of COVID-19 (infection or vaccination) on the menstrual cycle?

One survey that ran between April and October 2021 was open to those 18 and older who currently or used to get a period. It was found that a staggering 42% of 16,000 people noted they had heavier bleeding, more severe cramps, and higher rates of breakthrough bleeding post vaccination. What is amazing about this survey is that it included population groups often excluded such as those who are transgender and postmenopausal people. In these population groups 66% of the postmenopausal group reported unexpected bleeding, as well as 39% of those on gender-affirming hormones. This study contained people aged 18-80 years of age who were vaccinated but had NOT yet contracted COVID-19. Of course, the results can be limited, or skewed by those who participated because they had noticed a change, versus those who noted no changes would be less likely to participate.

Another study in a US population, found that menstrual cycle length varied by 1 day post COVID-19 vaccination. This same studied noted that there was no change in heaviness of menstrual bleeding, only total length of menstrual cycle.

What about research on menstrual changes in those who were infected with COVID?

I was thrilled to find there was a touch of conversation on this one too!
In a medical news article, where people were asked about their cycles post COVID-19 infection, it was reported that they had experienced irregular periods, worsened clotting, and exacerbated PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

One respondent noted that the frequency, duration, flow and pain changed after being infected with COVID-19. Not only did people notice a change in period symptoms, but long COVID-19 symptom flare ups were intensified in the week leading up to a period.

Unfortunately, it seems that it is not widely known about or supported in the medical field yet. Most respondents noted that there had been little support from doctors when seeking advice and treatment for menstrual cycle changes associated with COVID. Even in speaking with doctors, it is unclear how and why menstrual cycles are affected by COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Some explanations put it down to stress on the body.

There were some emerging studies to come out of China, that showed 25% of people with COVID-19 have menstrual changes, however these changes returned to normal after the COVID-19 infection period passed. This was somewhat echoed by a study published online in January 2021, that showed 25% of people noticed changes in menstrual blood volume, and 28% noticed an increased length of periods. According to anecdotal evidence, menstrual changes may be associated with length and severity of COVID-19 infection.

So, what does this mean for fertility and pregnancy?

So far, there is no robust evidence on the impact of COVID-19 vaccine or infection on fertility, and/or ability to conceive.
As for pregnancy, research has shown that pregnant women were more likely to experience severe symptoms and COVID-19 infection, and present to the ICU compared with a non-pregnant population. Women with COVID-19 are more likely to deliver preterm babies, and offspring are more likely to be admitted to the NICU or special care nursery. Having a pre-existing health condition in pregnancy such as diabetes or hypertension, impacted COVID-19 severity.

Whilst the research across menstrual changes paired with COVID-19 infection and/ or vaccination is in it’s infancy, it will no doubt continue to be a hotly debated topic in the health world. I look forward to seeing where this research goes and what more it can tell us about just how deeply COVID-19 has affected our lives, our reproductive health and our world.

Until next time,

Big Sis x

*DISCLAIMER THIS IS AN OPINION PIECE BASED ON THE CURRENT RESEARCH AVAILABLE. I AM NOT PUSHING ANY AGENDA OR COMMENTING ON WHETHER OR NOT TO GET VACCINATED*