People who menstruate can have a regular cycle, and if they don’t, most of them have looked up options to do so. As well, it is common that some ladies are completely irregular until they start consuming hormones or a birth control method. Turns out that there are a lot of processes on women’s bodies that can cause irregularities and side effects on the menstrual cycle, and COVID-19 or the vaccines used to prevent it are one of them.
Sadly for myself, I tested positive to COVID-19 the same day my period visited me. Everything was just fine since my menstrual cycle was supposed to be there the day it was, but I got more cramps, pain and fatigue than usual. Also, the bleeding was pretty awkward and the days were shorter… which never happens to me since I take pills to maintain the calendar.
So, everything was ok, my period was gone, COVID-19 was gone and I was back to my normal life.
Then, with only a week and a half in between, my period was there again. This time I had a lot more cramps and bleeding, and I was just asking myself “What the heck?” because I got off the cycle last week. I had my period two times in a month, with only a few days in between, two weeks before I was supposed to and this second time it lasted 12 days.
The thing was that there was a rumor that the COVID-19 vaccine was causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle, but I had not gotten any vaccines since my second dose a few months ago. I immediately thought, if it is not the vaccine, there is something wrong. I was really scared.
My gynecologist appointment was no time near, so I decided to contact an Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg, Florida. I explained to her that I was 8 period days in for the second time in a month after getting COVID-19 and with no relation to the vaccine.
Doctor Rivera explained to me the following, which you should be aware of if the vaccine or coronavirus has affected your period.
Among the research that has been done, the theory relies on the vaccine which causes an inflammatory reaction among all the human body when you take the shot. Inflammatory reactions occur in different ways, for example, when your body is experiencing high levels of stress.
So, the menstrual cycle can get affected as well by COVID-19, not only the vaccine, because it is practically the same effect when you get the dose and when you test positive for the virus, your body reacts with inflammation.
The inflammation can cause the menstrual cycle to vary during one to three months. So, studies and doctors recommend not to panic and to wait that time length, since maybe in your next menstrual cycle it won’t happen again. When the inflammation goes, the cycle regulates again.
The only thing you should be aware of to visit the doctor is if the bleeding is super long or super profuse. On the contrary, just wait out the expected time.
Otherwise, stay relaxed and give it time. If you want a more scientific explanation of the process that causes inflammation and menstrual cycle variability, you can feel free to search and read studies and investigations.