As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the globe, questions about post-vaccination period irregularity have begun to arise.
Over the past few months, menstruators have taken to social media to report changes in their cycles after their vaccinations.
This uncertainty is something that vaccinated menstruators—and those considering vaccination—have been seeking answers for. In addition, some menstruators have reported that COVID itself has caused disruptions to their regular cycles.
Read on to learn more about what experts are saying about these early stages of discovery.
Does COVID Vaccine Affect Menstrual Cycle?
So far, doctors and researchers say that while side effects have resulted post-infection or post-vaccination, it’s much too early to say whether there’s a real connection and more research is needed to offer a definitive link.
But what exactly are these side effects menstruators are experiencing post-infection and post-vaccination?
There have been various anecdotal reports about how the coronavirus might have impacted menstrual cycles, with statements from menstruators documenting changes like:
- Heavier periods
- Lighter periods
- Missed periods
- Irregular periods
While little research has been done to back up scientific links between COVID-19 and disrupted cycles, it is possible that the infection itself could cause enough change in your body to disrupt hormone levels that lead to noticeable changes in menstruation.
In a 2020 study, it was found that the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) was likely safe from being directly infected by the novel coronavirus because it has lower levels of the receptor that the novel coronavirus binds to (called ACE2). That being said, in a 2021 study where 177 menstruating people with COVID-19 were monitored, about 45 experienced changes in menstrual volume where 36 experienced heavier periods and 9 experienced lighter periods.
The result here? More uncertainty. Unfortunately, even though changes in menstruation have been reported, there’s not yet been enough research conducted to make a direct link between the infection and interrupted menstrual cycles.
The same is to be said for post-vaccination menstrual changes.
While there are plenty of reports out there claiming changes in menstruation after being vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, all the data that is available is anecdotal. Often, these reports describe irregular periods and heavier periods post-vaccination.
To put it simply, research supporting or denying these claims is lacking—there’s not enough research out there to determine an answer either way.
Have Cup Questions? The JUNE Team Has Your Back
The JUNE crew is here for you no matter what you might need or what questions you might have. As we learn more about the possible effects that COVID or the COVID vaccines could have on menstruation, we'll share info to the Official JUNE Community with the facts you need.
In the meantime, we’re happy to answer any of your other menstrual care questions you might have. Curious about what might be the right menstrual cup for you? We recommend our Cup Quiz for helpful information on your perfect-fit cup.
Want to know more about the JUNE products we offer? Check out our cups, cup cleaning products, period underwear, and more right here.
Looking for more helpful information? We’ve got you covered—check out a few of our must-read resources right here for period knowledge, cup insights, and beyond.