The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularity: what has been described in the literature?

[The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularity: what has been described in the literature?]

Tiago Almeida Costa1

1. Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, 8ª COREME del Departamento Municipal de Salud de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil;

Keywords++
DOI: 10.37980/im.journal.revcog.20242366
Published: 2024-08-30

Abstract

En marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud decretó la pandemia de COVID-19 y para prevenir los casos de Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo y otras complicaciones una de las medidas adoptadas fue la vacunación contra el COVID-19. El virus SARS-CoV-2, responsable del COVID-19, penetra en las células huésped a través de los receptores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina II que se expresan en diversos órganos como el útero y los ovarios. Hasta el último trimestre de 2021, se han aprobado en todo el mundo unas doce vacunas, en seis categorías diferentes, contra el COVID-19, y entre los efectos adversos se han notificado irregularidades menstruales. En varios estudios se mencionan alteraciones del ciclo menstrual tales como alteración de la duración del ciclo, aumento del flujo menstrual, dismenorrea y amenorrea de 7 a 30 días después de la administración de la última dosis de COVID-19. También se observó en estos estudios que mujeres que no presentaban irregularidades después de la primera dosis de la vacuna, empezaron a tenerlas después de la segunda dosis. En general, las anormalidades del ciclo menstrual cesan dentro de los 3 meses después de la última dosis de la vacuna y no hay un impacto definitivo sobre la fertilidad de la mujer.

Abstract

In March 2020, the World Health Organization decreed the COVID-19 pandemic and to avoid cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and other complications, one of the measures adopted was vaccination for COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, enters host cells through angiotensin II converting enzyme receptors that are expressed in various organs such as the uterus and ovaries. Until the last quarter of 2021, around the world, about twelve vaccines were approved, in six different categories, for COVID-19 and among the adverse effects there was the report of menstrual irregularities. In several studies, changes in the menstrual cycle are mentioned, such as changes in the duration of the cycle, increased menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea from 7 to 30 days after the administration of the last dose for COVID-19. It was also observed in these studies that women who did not have irregularities after the first dose of the vaccine started to have them after the second dose. In general, changes in the menstrual cycle cease within 3 months after the last dose of the vaccine and there is no definitive impact on the woman's fertility.

Author Biography

Tiago Almeida Costa, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8th COREME of the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Medical Resident, Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital São Luiz Gonzaga, São Paulo, Brasil

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