Menstrual Changes Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Outpatient Reproductive-Age Visitors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A 2023 Cross-Sectional Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: The potential link between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disturbances has raised significant concern. Women who have experienced menstrual changes are apprehensive about receiving booster doses due to concerns about the duration of these side effects. Objectives: To determine whether COVID-19 vaccines are associated with menstrual disturbances by assessing the vaccine’s impact on various aspects of the menstrual cycle, including cycle length, amount of bleeding, and pain. Method: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted using an online questionnaire among women of reproductive age (18-35 years) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Participants were recruited between December 2022 and January 2023 and asked about their usual menstrual cycles before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 400 reproductive-age females responded to the online survey. Thirteen participants were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving a final sample of 387 women. Overall, 45.2% of subjects reported alterations in menstrual cycles following COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, 24.8% of participants experienced heavier bleeding, 25.6% had prolonged bleeding, 30.5% reported spotting after vaccination, 38% reported long intervals between cycles, 42.9% reported increased menstrual pain, and 42.1% experienced period pain without bleeding. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination is associated with noticeable alterations in the menstrual cycle, with almost half of participating females reporting cycle changes. The most commonly reported symptoms included increased menstrual pain, period pain without bleeding, and longer intervals between cycles. Additionally, a notable proportion of participants reported heavier bleeding, prolonged bleeding, and spotting. These results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may influence menstrual health.