The prevalence of menstrual changes in COVID-19 vaccinated women: A cross-sectional study

Background

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of menstrual cycle changes (MCs) and their patterns among healthy Syrian women following the administration of the first and second doses of a vaccine.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey following campaigns for COVID-19 vaccines was conducted in 2022 from June 26 to August 3. Data collected included the participants’ demographic characteristics, vaccination status, and multiple-choice questions for MCs changes after the first and second doses.

Results

Of 236, 89.8 % completed all shots of the vaccine. After the first dose, 36.9 % reported MCs, and 35 % after the second dose. Most women did not experience changes in menstrual cycle frequency—81.8 % after the first dose and 83.4 % after the second dose. Similarly, most women did not observe changes in cycle length, or menstrual flow quantity—5.5 % after the first dose and 8 % after the second dose reported spotting. Dysmenorrhea was reported by 15.7 % and 14.1 % of women after the first and second doses, respectively.

Conclusion

MCs are a potential symptom that a healthy woman at childbearing age could have after a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. MCs patterns do not significantly differ following vaccine doses.