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. 2023 Dec 15;12(24):7699.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12247699.

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle: An Italian Survey-Based Study

Roberta Granese  1 , Giosuè Giordano Incognito  2 , Ferdinando Antonio Gulino  3 , Giorgia Casiraro  3 , Paola Porcaro  4 , Angela Alibrandi  5 , Canio Martinelli  3 , Alfredo Ercoli  3
Affiliations

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle: An Italian Survey-Based Study

Roberta Granese et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has played a critical role in controlling the spread of the pandemic. The main side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination include fever and fatigue; however, the potential impacts on menstrual cycles are to be determined. Given the limited number of studies suggesting menstrual changes post vaccination, this study investigates the correlation between COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual cycle changes in fertile-aged Italian women. A questionnaire was distributed from 1 October to 31 November 2022, focusing on menstrual rhythm and flow changes post vaccination. The analysis involved 471 participants. The study observed a shift from a regular to an irregular menstrual rhythm (p < 0.001), and changes in menstrual duration (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001 for first and second doses, respectively) and flow volume (p < 0.001). Most patients with irregular rhythms were vaccinated in the proliferative phase of their cycle. Within six months post vaccination, 74.2% of women with irregular post-vaccination rhythms reported a return to normality. These findings indicate primarily transient menstrual changes following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, suggesting the vaccines' safety for women of reproductive age.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; menstrual cycle; vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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