COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Menstrual Disorders among Reproductive Age Women in the UAE

Author(s): Insha Nazeer, Fathima Muzeera M Musaffar, Fatima A Alsaadi, Maria Hasani, Ambreen Ansar, Tasneem Sandozi

Objective: The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interaction between several factors. It serves as a vital part of a woman's reproductive health. Following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines, several clinics globally saw an increase in women attendees concerning changes in their menstrual cycle, later several studies were also conducted in various countries to evaluate this association. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle, focusing on the prevalence and nature of menstrual abnormalities among vaccinated females of reproductive age living in the UAE.

Methods: Participants were surveyed regarding their menstrual history before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Data were collected anonymously through self-administered online surveys, including information on the menstrual cycle length, duration, flow, presence of clots, association of menstrual cramps, intermenstrual bleeding/spotting, and the impact of these changes on the quality of their life.

Results: Out of the participants, 35.9% reported variations in their menstrual cycle, notably after the second dose of vaccination. Symptoms included alterations in cycle length, cramp intensity, menstrual flow and intermenstrual bleeds. While menstrual irregularities were self-limiting in many cases, 8.6% reported a significant negative impact on quality of life, emphasizing the importance of considering psychological and physical well-being. Among those previously infected with COVID-19, 10.9% reported post-recovery menstrual changes.

Conclusion: While most menstrual irregularities were self-limiting, it is equally important to recognize the presence of menstrual changes after the administration of the vaccine. Proposed mechanisms for these disturbances encompass vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The study underscores the importance of understanding vaccine effects and emphasizes the need for education and pre-vaccination counseling to mitigate hesitancy.