People have been warned of possible side effects of taking Covid-19 jab such as fever, headache, fatigue, among others. To add into this, women are continually reporting changes in their menstrual cycle. While there is no such scientific evidence to prove this, anything that impacts hormones or your immune system, such as stress, diet, exercise, sleep or illness, could impact your cycle. In this regard, Nailantei Norari explores how the shot could possibly affect your cycle

More painful period

The lining of the uterus is in fact considered to be an active part of the immune system.

When your immune system is working hard because you’re vaccinated or sick, you may experience changes in how the endometrium reacts.

There have been claims of people having to endure more painful periods after getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

While scientists have not been able to ascertain why or how this is happening, the scientists know for certain that the effects will last for a short period of time.

Early period

Some people have reported having their periods earlier than they normally do after taking the Covid-19 Vaccine.

Research shows that vaccines can affect the pituitary gland, which can lead to early release of hormones, which can lead to the early onset of periods.

Late period

After taking the vaccine, some women have reported receiving their periods seven to eight days later.

This can be attributed to the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary ovarian axis, which might interfere with the production of the reproductive hormones, hence leading to delayed periods.

Heavier bleeding

While some women get regular periods even after vaccination, some have reported having heavier periods than normal.

While this may not seem like a monumental thing, it is bad as it can inconvenience someone and even lead to staining, which can affect self-esteem.

Moreover, the loss of too much blood can lead to dizziness and anaemia. If one notices heavier than normal bleeding, they should seek medical advice.

Breakthrough bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding happens when someone bleeds in the middle of their cycle or while they are pregnant.

Some vaccine takers have reported bleeding slightly in between their menstrual cycles.

This can be attributed to the body being overly stressed after the introduction of the vaccine leading to early or late relaying of hormones hence the bleeding in between cycles.

Post-menopausal bleeding

Some women who are in menopause have reported bleeding after having taken the Covid-19 vaccine.

While this can be attributed to the vaccine restarting the production of reproduction hormones despite having stopped doing so at the onset of menopause, scientists say that the effect will stay for two months or three months at most and hence should not be a cause for alarm. One should however still report this to their gynecologist if it happens.

Might affect fertility

Women of reproductive age are advised not to get pregnant in six months after taking the vaccine as researchers have not yet done extensive research on the effects of the Covid-19 vaccine on the human reproductive system.

However, there are women who have successfully gotten pregnant even after taking the vaccines and their pregnancies are normal and progressing well.

Unusual clotting

Menstruation is characterised by free flowing blood. At times, menstrual blood is characterised by clots.

Clots are considered normal unless they are big in size and numerous in number. Abnormal clots are larger than a shilling coin in size and occur more frequently. 

Irregular cycle

Regular cycles are a coveted part of healthy womanhood and the hallmark of a great reproductive system.

This is why most gynaecologists work hard to regulate the menstrual cycle, especially when the female client is trying for pregnancy.

Many women have reported having irregular periods after getting the Covid vaccine.

This can be characterised by a longer or shorters cycle with one bleeding for fewer or more days.

Less energy

Normally, the onset of periods is characterised by decreased levels of energy and general fatigue.

Many people who have taken the vaccine have reported having markedly lower energy levels and more fatigue at the onset of their periods.

Researchers have said that this is not a cause for alarm as one of the side effects of the coronavirus on the body is fatigue, hence fatigue may set in as the body develops immunity against the virus after the introduction of the vaccine into the body.