Can Covid-19 vaccine cause your periods to fluctuate? An expert answers

Women have a love-hate relationship with their periods. While it comes with a variety of killjoys like cramps, pain, and mood swings, a delay in Aunt Flo’s arrival gives us a little anxiety. Remember, you shouldn’t beat yourself up for periods to happen like clockwork. However, keeping a track of your menstrual cycle is always advised. With the third wave of Covid-19 posing its threat, people are updating their vaccination with remaining doses and even booster shots. Nonetheless, many women have reported irregular periods or other menstrual changes after their vaccination.

If you have experienced the same and your menstrual cycle saw a slightly larger change after your Covid-19 shots, read on!

Here’s a study to help you understand your menstrual changes post Covid-19 vaccination:

A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found a small but temporary change in the menstrual cycles of women participants who were administered a Covid-19 shot. Individuals who received two Covid-19 vaccine doses in a single cycle, experienced a longer but temporary cycle length change.

However, these temporary changes shouldn’t make for another reason for hesitancy for Covid-19 vaccines.

To elaborate on it, Dr Sheetal Agarwal, gynaecologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, spoke to HealthShots about the fluctuations in your menstrual cycle post your vaccination.

“I’m receiving many queries regarding menstrual cycles and Covid-19 vaccination in recent times. There are a few complications around periods like irregular menstruation, heavy flow, and increased or decreased cycle length. But these are minor changes that your body may experience and are perfectly normal.”

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Therefore, it is a sign for you to turn a blind eye towards those Whatsapp messages telling you to avoid your Covid-19 vaccination as they can cause menstrual issues.

Another rumor being circulated on social media is that women should avoid taking Covid-19 vaccine 5 days after and before their periods. These claims are completely misleading. As you know, scheduling a vaccine is itself an uphill battle. Therefore, get one whenever you get a chance. Delaying it may put your and your family’s health in jeopardy.

If you don’t know how to track your periods, your cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. While the traditional method to do so using a calendar or your own estimate isn’t bad, using a period tracking app is a more efficient way. Try it to be in tune with your intimate health.