COVID Vaccine And Menstruation: Does The Jab Affect Periods

With multiple vaccines out for the novel coronavirus around the world, there have been a number of popularly believed claims. One such claim is that the vaccines can lead to irregular periods. Multiple experts have discussed the effect of vaccines on the menstrual cycle of women. While theoretically there could be an impermanent irregularity, there is very little evidence to prove any relationship between the vaccines and periods.

From the effectiveness of the vaccines to the side effects of the jabs, many people have tried to excuse themselves from taking the shots setting their fears. After getting the vaccine a number of women have complained of menstrual irregularities: delayed periods, heavier flows, more painful cramps and so on.

Kathryn Clancy, an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, experienced a heavier flow after taking the vaccine in February. The Guardian reported that she has started a study to establish if irregular periods are a side-effect of the vaccine. She underlined that most clinical studies fail to consider menstrual irregularities as side effects for a large number of drugs.

In absence of sufficient clinical research on female reproductive health and COVID-19 vaccines, there has been a significant space for myths to sprout. Mother Jones reported the outlandish claims made by fear-mongering individuals on social media. Some women claimed that being in contact with a vaccinated person led them to have irregular periods or even a miscarriage. Jen Gunter, an obstetrician-gynecologist and pain medicine physician, pointed out that the vaccine “is not capable of exerting reproductive control via proxy.” Coming in contact with a vaccinated person could not influence any reproductive changes.

In fact, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology encouraged pregnant and nursing mothers to get the vaccine as it would be beneficial for both mother and child.

However, the absence of sufficient research does not completely dismiss the effects of the vaccine on menstrual cycles. According to Baton Rouge General, theoretically, the stress created by the vaccine on the immune system can impact periods. Everything from lifestyle to stress plays a role in affecting the menstrual cycle. So, it is possible to experience certain irregularities. Just like body temperature returning to normal after the passing of a fever, any irregularities in the menstrual cycle will subside.