World’s First Large‑Scale Study Investigates The Impact Of COVID-19 Vaccines On Menstrual Cycles
We all mark the arrival of the days of red i.e. menstrual cycles in our calendars and keep an eye out for Aunt Flow as we calculate our cycles, marking her arrival. But lately, either due to COVID 19 or due to the vaccines of COVID 19, people have reported missing and ‘wonky’ period cycles. This is one of the most common side effects and it’s about time we look into the impact of these vaccines on our periods.
Well, our waiting period for this is over as large-scale research and study on the same phenomenon has been published in Science Advances last week. This research is honestly, a god-sent as it is validating all our doubts and emotional turmoil. It has been found that about 42% of the participants who get the COVID 19 vaccines have experienced changes in their menstrual cycles and period patterns. Isn’t that beyond shocking?
Also Read: After Taking Both The Doses Of The COVID Vaccine, This Woman From West Bengal Has Developed Human Magnetism
What Types Of Menstrual Cycle Changes Are These?
The types of changes that are being observed by people around the globe lie on a very wide, varied and pretty shocking spectrum. Some people simple saw their menstrual cycles change and shift while others saw that their cycles had just stopped which was of course, very traumatic and worrisome for them.
Meanwhile. some people had to face severe and paralyzing cramps as they dealt with greater pain and that too, with a lighter flow in their menstrual cycles which was surprising. Some people ended up dealing with heavier flows and longer cycles.
Furthermore, people living with hormonal deficiencies and conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — experienced very heavier periods. On the other hand, people who take oral contraceptives bled vigorously after getting the jab. 39% of the participants on testosterone for gender-affirming therapy, met a similar fate.
But, of course, the most shocking change of all was the fact that some people who had gone through menopause ended up experiencing menstrual cycle-like bleeding for the first time in years. This was very concerning for them and their families as bleeding post-menopause could otherwise be a sign of endometrial cancer.
Also Read: British Study Shows Possible Link Between Covid Vaccine And Disrupted Menstrual Cycle
What Made This Research So Essential?
The empty feeling of not knowing whether these changes were actually taking place and the lacking validation was probably the best reason to do the study. furthermore, the panic caused by the menstrual cycle changes also made it very essential to capture the essence of these changes and study them. This lack of information was causing troubles around the globe and it became imperative to curb this panic.
“Not knowing this was going to happen, not knowing the mechanism by which it happens, and not being prepared for it to happen meant it was an unnecessarily scary experience for many people. It is incredibly important to make sure people are prepared and not surprised. If you went and got a vaccine and they didn’t tell you you’d have a fever the next day, it would be really concerning because you weren’t expecting it. By knowing that changes to menstrual bleeding can happen, at least people are not surprised. They’re not shocked. They’re not worried that something major is wrong.” Katharine Lee, a biological anthropologist, who led the study, said.
Kathryn Clancy, who is the co-author of this study, told Today, “There is a huge literature that shows that medical mistrust is one of the driving forces that makes people hesitant to get vaccines. Making sure that people are not surprised or distressed and that they know what to expect is going to bring them a lot of comforts, doesn’t it?”
This research brings information to all of us that we have been looking forward to, for a very long time. It also brings validation to our experiences and we cannot wait for official statements from the WHO on the same matter. It’s about time our troubles and experiences are recognised and given official attention. Isn’t it?
