Still having problems with your period? You should probably read this!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Menstrual abnormalities strongly associated with proximity to COVID-19 vaccinated individuals: A survey study in unvaccinated women.”

Hmmmm! Before I tackle this topic again, I want you to read the scenarios below and let me know if you can relate.

You anxiously check the calendar, frustration evident. “It’s late. Again.” You rummage through your purse, searching for pain relievers. “This month it’s the cramps, next month it’s the spotting. My body is a broken record.”

Another scenario that some women reading this might relate to; you’re on a date, trying to appear relaxed. Your date looks over at you with a twinkle in his eye, “So, what are your plans for the weekend?” You hesitate, suddenly unsure of your own cycle. You think to yourself, “Dating is a minefield. Will I be bloated? Will I need to excuse myself every five minutes?”

With everything that you have been feeling, you decide to go to the doctor. She tells you, “These irregularities can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances.” Now you are left feeling overwhelmed, the weight of unanswered questions is heavy in your mind. “What is going on?”

I have some not so good news to deliver again. During the height of the pandemic, there were a few studies that came out regarding menstrual abnormalities being experienced by women who had taken the COVID-19 injection. The latest peer-reviewed research revealing associations between COVID-19 shots and menstrual abnormalities was published on December 7^th, 2024, in the International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research. One clear finding reported was that the menstrual irregularities experienced by unvaccinated and unexposed women were consistent with those experienced by the vaccinated population, suggesting possible transmission of spike protein and/or other ingredients of COVID-19 vaccines from the vaccinated to the unvaccinated.

That’s right; it seems that more science is pointing to the fact that the COVID-19 vaccines have been affecting us in ways that are still coming to light. Women, the uneasiness that you might have experienced lately with your menstrual cycle; there is an explanation for it. Let’s take a look at what science has to say.

Since 2021, several studies have shown a relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual irregularities,

In an article titled, “Investigating trends in those who experience menstrual bleeding changes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination,” researchers investigated this emerging phenomenon of changed menstrual bleeding patterns among a convenience sample of currently and formerly menstruating people using a web-based survey.

In this sample, 42% of people with regular menstrual cycles bled more heavily than usual, while 44% reported no change after being vaccinated. Among respondents who typically do not menstruate, 71% of people on long-acting reversible contraceptives, 39% of people on gender-affirming hormones, and 66% of postmenopausal people reported breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding is any bleeding, or spotting that occurs between your regular menstrual periods or during pregnancy.

They found that increased/breakthrough bleeding was significantly associated with age, systemic vaccine side effects (fever and/or fatigue), history of pregnancy or birth, and ethnicity.

I was directed to another research study titled, “COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual changes,” that looked at different places in the world where menstrual abnormalities had been reported. The UK Yellow Card, reporting data up to August 24^th, 2022, had a total of 51 435 suspected reactions that had been reported after all three COVID-19 vaccines, relating to various menstrual disorders (e.g., heavier than usual periods, delayed periods, and unexpected vaginal bleeding).

In Sweden, an increase in visits to the doctors for abnormal uterine bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been observed after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in a nationwide, registry-based study. The report was sure to note that most reported changes had been intermittent and self-limiting, and no causal associations had been established.

Finally, in a research article titled, “Evaluation of Menstrual Irregularities After COVID-19 Vaccination: Results of the MECOVAC Survey,” researchers reported that approximately 50–60% of reproductive-age women who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine reported menstrual cycle irregularities, regardless of the type of administered vaccine.

The occurrence of menstrual irregularities seemed to be slightly higher (60–70%) after the second dose. Menstrual irregularities after both the first and second doses of the vaccine were found to self-resolve in approximately half the cases within two months.

Based on these results, they suggested considering these elements during the counselling of women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine, letting them know about the potential occurrence of temporary and self-limiting menstrual cycle irregularities in the subsequent month(s).

*COMMUNITY QUESTION* How many women were told by their doctors that there was a potential occurrence of temporary menstrual cycle irregularities in the subsequent month(s) after their COVID-19 injection?

Accountability! Ultimately, the onus lies with doctors, medical professionals, and governments to ensure patients and citizens are fully informed about the potential risks associated with any medication. Transparency and open communication are paramount in fostering informed decision-making about healthcare choices.