AstraZeneca vaccine affected period

[1penelopepitstop]

Hi everyone! Just after some advice please. I’m 40 and double vaccinated with AZ. After my first vaccine my period was a couple of weeks late, but when it did arrive it lasted nearly 3 weeks (I’m normally a 5 day girl) and was EXTREMELY heavy. I then had spotting for a couple of weeks before the same thing happened again. I spoke to NHS direct who said it was likely to get better. I’m now 4 cycles on and it’s slightly better but not back to normal. Periods lasting longer than normal, much heavier than normal and spotting in between. Apparently 13,000 reports have been made via the yellow card system (including me!) Has anyone else had similar symptoms? And does anyone know how long before things return to normal? I’m very very grateful to be vaccinated, but getting a bit fed up with my cycle being so haywire now!!! TIA x

@JS87

Mhra yesterday said there was no evidence it was connected to the vaccine and was coincidental. I think they should come on Mumsnet then they might change their mind. Is suspect most people aren’t yellow carding it so rate reflects the general rate of period irregularities

This makes me quite cross actually. I agree most people aren’t yellow carding and I don’t believe for a second there isn’t a link to vaccines. Do they think women are stupid?

I’ve just read the MHRA’s patronising, ‘it must be your hormones, age or just psychological’ position on this, yet there are literally thousands of women around the world reporting significant changes all straight after taking the vaccine.

@1penelopepitstop

Thanks all!! I wish they would warn women that your periods MIGHT be affected…….it could avoid a lot of stress/worry! I definitely feel reassured that others have had irregularities too. Hopefully things will settle back to normal soon.

Hi OP, I just wanted to say that whilst it could be connected to the vaccine, there are lots if other possible causes of irregular bleeding and you should definitely see your GP. My friend assumed her irregular bleeding was connected to the vaccine and it very much wasn't. There is no also a current thread on the women's health board where posters are suggesting the OP's issues could be linked to the vaccine. Turns out she has been diagnosed with PCOS. I'm not saying period issues aren't linked to the vaccine but even if it was listed as an official side effect it doesn't all of a sudden make it the only reason for irregular periods.