When getting your Covid vaccine you will probably be made aware of possible side effects, including fever, headache or a sore arm. Changes to the menstrual cycle is not something listed.
But women around the world are questioning whether early, heavy or painful periods may be an unlisted reaction to the jab.
A doctor shared her experiences online of an unusually heavy period after receiving the Moderna vaccine. Dozens of other women responded with similar accounts. Following this, she launched a survey to find out people’s experiences.
It is unknown at this stage if the vaccine is causing these changes, as there is no study on it. It may be that women are more likely to notice changes afterwards, and link it to the vaccine. Especially after hearing about other people’s experiences.
But a reproductive immunologist at Imperial College London believes there may be a harmless physical reaction happening. She knows of reports from some post-menopausal women, and those taking hormones to stop their periods, experiencing bleeding.
Plausible link
Although there is no proven link, it is logical to think the vaccine could cause changes to periods. But it is not anything to worry about.
There are immune cells in almost every part of the body, including the womb lining. The immune cells play their part in the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down the lining of the uterus. This prepares the womb for pregnancy, so if the egg isn’t fertilised, the lining is shed in the form of a period. Chemical signals are released around the body after a vaccination, which can affect immune cells. This could cause the womb lining to shed, leading to signs of bleeding or earlier periods.
However, there is no link to miscarriages, as during pregnancy different processes maintain the womb lining. There is lots of evidence showing there are no links between pregnancy loss and the vaccine.
Vaccines also cause an inflammatory response in the body as your immune system produces antibodies to fight disease. Inflammation could affect the the timing of the release of eggs, which can lead to an early or delayed period. Some evidence also suggest that people with signs of inflammation are prone to more painful periods.
Any side effects on the menstrual cycle are only temporary though, and not long-term, and no suggestions of it affecting fertility. However, even though they shouldn’t cause concern, studies should be done on effects of the vaccine so people know what to expect. They need to know what is just a harmless vaccine side effect, and not a more serious issue to worry about.
Thank you for reading Covid Vaccine Side Effects: The Truth About Period Changes
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