Menstrual Disturbances Following COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination in the Indian Population

The commencement of the present study followed an increase in reports of menstrual disturbances post-vaccination and a lack of adequate inclusion of questions about menstruation in vaccine trials and disease progression studies. The study aimed to assess the impact of vaccines and COVID-19 infection on menstruation and identify any patterns in cycles post-disease/vaccination. 

The study used a questionnaire-based survey, predominantly among individuals aged 21-25 years without prior menstrual irregularities.

 The study observed-

• 21.7% of participants reported unusual menstrual cycles post-infection/vaccination, with 17.11% reporting changes post-vaccination and 22.8% reporting abnormalities post-COVID-19 disease.
• Dysmenorrhea was significantly increased post-infection/vaccination, with an increase in menstrual flow observed in 14.9% post-vaccination and 23.9% post-infection. 

The study concluded that menstrual changes post-vaccination were insignificant, but significant differences existed post-infection, thus strengthening the association between COVID-19 and menstruation. The study highlights the need to include menstrual health in disease intervention studies.

Moolamalla S, Bakshi K, Medarametla V. Menstrual Irregularities Post-COVID-19 Infection/Vaccination in Indian Population. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2022;14(6):694–699