Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle in reproductive age group: An observational study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of menstrual irregularities post COVID-19 vaccination among the women in reproductive age group (18-45 years).Methods: The study involved a questionnaire survey conducted among 108 women in the reproductive age group 18-45 years with COVID-19 vaccination status and prior cycles regular, who attended the OPD in the Department Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka. The data were collected over the period of May 2021 to April 2022. The study excluded women with history of irregular cycles, intake of OCPs and other medications including antipsychotics, history of IUCD insertion, diagnosed with PCOD, BMI >30 kg/m2, postpartum period, lactating mothers, medical disorders including Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, thyroid disorders. Results: Out of 108 participants, 60 (55.5%) women reported irregular cycles with change in the length, duration and flow of cycle whereas 48 women (44.4%) had normal cycles in the immediate post vaccination period. Few participants, 18 (16.6%) showed new symptoms associated with menstrual cycle in the study. Conclusion: The study showed that COVID-19 vaccination have association in the occurrence of abnormal changes in menstrual cycle in the post vaccination period.