Here we go again….menstrual cycle disruption after booster!

[Youngatheart00]

Had booster in early dec. Period was due 2 days after, which came as usual.

This month, I had the usual cramps and PMT on cycle day 26/27. Then…..nothing. I’m now on cycle day 33 and no sign. I feel uncomfortable but there is no sign of anything starting. This happened after my second jab too when I ended up with almost a 40 day cycle when I am usually 28 days like clockwork.

So. Fed. Up.

Why are people / health authorities pretending this doesn’t happen???

You sure the impact of infection on the menstrual cycle isn't stress?

@ollyollyoxenfree

@hamstersarse

You sure the impact of infection on the menstrual cycle isn't stress? *@ollyollyoxenfree*

See how I haven't said "caused by" in any of my posts @hamstersarse. The review article details this issue clearly, but you cba to read it and instead focus your energy on one liners.

If that's the best response you can muster, instead of bothering to look through any of the research or executive summaries you've been linked to after repeatedly claiming they don't exist, I'm not sure why you're on the thread.

@Dollygirl2008

Sorry, but does it really matter?

It matters because part of the reason I was so hesitant to get vaccinated during pregnancy was (at the time) the lack of research being done into this side effect. To me, a period occurs in the same place my baby is growing - so if one is affected and you don't know why, how can you be sure my baby won't be affected?

In the end I got the vaccine while pregnant. But as long as women feel this side effect is dismissed, it will be part of the reason that lots of TTC and pregnant women will hesitate to get the vaccine, whether you think they are logical or not.

@Mudday

I realise that my post may have come across as dismissive to some, which is not what I meant at all. The hysterical approach to vaccinations is very dangerous though. Any adverse affects must be reported to your GP, and they will be taken seriously. Scaremongering is a very different game though, which I am sure posters likeCUniverseNextTuesday are only too happy to encourage.

It’s not hysterical - which incidentally is a misogynistic way of suppressing women. It’s a valid issue. It would not have changed my mind about the vaccines. I am very pro vaccine and think those who choose not to are ridiculous but that’s their right. It’s about having information. I went through unnecessary worry and anxiety over what might be wrong and underwent loads of tests and examinations. If I’d known it was ‘only’ the vaccine and that it would pass, it would have been so much easier.

@ollyollyoxenfree

” It is clear the coronavirus infection has an impact on the menstrual cycle along with many other women's health issues. I have no idea why (like with the other adverse effects you repeatedly post about) you only seem to care about women's health problems when they relate to vaccination, not infection.”

I haven’t seen lots of posts on here about delayed periods after Covid infection but I have seen a lot about delayed periods or unusual symptoms post Covid vaccine. We aren’t talking about anti vaxers. This is a discussion from fully vaccinated women who want to talk about it. I am very pro vaccine. Knowing it’s a potential side effect would not have stopped me getting the vaccine but it would have prevented unnecessary tests and examinations and referrals which caused worry and anxiety. Just knowing you’re not alone can help. I think we are entitled to that space without being accused of “but yeah X can cause this”. We know but in this case, it seems likely the vaccine has triggered this.

[quote Mickarooni]@ollyollyoxenfree

” It is clear the coronavirus infection has an impact on the menstrual cycle along with many other women's health issues. I have no idea why (like with the other adverse effects you repeatedly post about) you only seem to care about women's health problems when they relate to vaccination, not infection.”

I haven’t seen lots of posts on here about delayed periods after Covid infection but I have seen a lot about delayed periods or unusual symptoms post Covid vaccine. We aren’t talking about anti vaxers. This is a discussion from fully vaccinated women who want to talk about it. I am very pro vaccine. Knowing it’s a potential side effect would not have stopped me getting the vaccine but it would have prevented unnecessary tests and examinations and referrals which caused worry and anxiety. Just knowing you’re not alone can help. I think we are entitled to that space without being accused of “but yeah X can cause this”. We know but in this case, it seems likely the vaccine has triggered this.[/quote]
I haven't said anything about anti-vaxxers or dismissed disrupted menstrual cycles related to vaccination as "yeah but X can cause this" @mickarooni

You're taking a section of my posts out of context. Here what you appear to have missed.....

*

It does matter and is being investigated.

Here's a review article on the impacts of the impact of the pandemic, COVID infection, and vaccination on the menstrual cycle:
academic.oup.com/ije/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ije/dyab239/6447179

Here's a thread detailing all current studies & findings regarding specifically vaccination:

twitter.com/VikiLovesFACS/status/1479359791831126018

As I said, this continues to be an active area of research, and will continue to be - with Harvard investing signifcant funds into looking at the pandemic & menstrual changes - and specfically looking into the mechanism of action.

“These rigorous scientific studies will improve our understanding of the potential effects of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation, giving people who menstruate more information about what to expect after vaccination and potentially reducing vaccine hesitancy,” said NICHD Director Diana W. Bianchi, M.D.

Numerous factors can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, which is regulated by complex interactions between the body’s tissues, cells and hormones. Immune responses to a COVID-19 vaccine could affect the interplay between immune cells and signals in the uterus, leading to temporary changes in the menstrual cycle. Other factors that may cause menstrual changes include pandemic-related stress, lifestyle changes related to the pandemic, and infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/083021-COVID-19-vaccination-menstruation

I think the problem is that during vaccine trials, a change to a period may well be missed as a potential side effect as there is a tendency not to consider women specific issues or to alert trial participants to log such changes. The 'invisible women' book is fascinating and opened my eyes to a lot of issues about medicine generally (not Covid specifically).

It always surprises me for instance that women and men can be prescribed the same strength medication in the same quantities without any consideration of the weight of the person. When DS has been given medicine via the hospital, medication has always been prescribed according to age and weight.

I haven't had any disruption after my vaccines or booster. Regular periods as normal.

Thank you to those who have linked the research. Less so to those who have called me ‘hysterical’

I’m pleased it’s being investigated. I couldn’t be more pro-vax if I tried but that doesn’t mean I should brush under the carpet very real side effects.

I had mine with no issues but was told of two unrelated but concerning cases this week, one lady who went entirely deaf in one ear immediately after her booster and has been left with catastrophic tinnitus, and another with several bad blood clots in her leg. Both direct from the source and credible. Neither had yellow carded it or even knew you could.

I'm concerned about this for my DDs.

I've followed the links provided on this thread and all they seem to be saying is that there may be a link to menstrual disturbances, that there is biological plausibility, that there are hypotheses about why, that more research is needed. That there are lots of reports but menstrual disturbances are common anyway and that the vaccine program is very important and women's hesitance over menstrual disorders is potentially not good for the programme.

They also say that menstruation was not examined in the clinical trials.

There is nothing in any of the links on this thread which reassures me. And believe me I would like to be reassured as my DDs will soon have to be vaccinated (despite having had covid and being fine with it) because we live in a country with vaccine passes.

As far as I can make out we need a lot more research on what is happening here.

Hypotheses about immune activity in the uterine lining and vaccine effects on hormones are exactly that; hypotheses. We need more concrete information. I would be really interested in any links to studies on biodistribution of vaccine materials particularly in women following vaccination if anyone knows of any.

For the OP and anyone else experiencing menstrual issues, I'm sorry to hear that and I hope they will resolve quickly and definitively for you all

People make their own informed choice. I have chosen not to have the vaccine. Everyone has the right in the UK not to have it (at the moment anyway unless the law changes).

That's quite a biased summary of the research linked @beachcomber

Did you read the summary from Dr Male?

Sounds like you've just glanced over the review (regarding hypothetics of COVID/vaccination/pandemic on menstruation) and none of the actual population and epidemiological research manscripts

First - AZ and booster pfizer - no effect secoond AZ missing period then really heavy for many months till settled down.

No idea why I reacted to second - though it was at a differnt point in my cycle.

Had many other vaccinations never had such an effect before.

DD1 and DD2 no effect with pfizers - though glad I was aware to reassure if any issue had happened.

I wasn't worried or stressed around any of the injections.

I did worry about what was going on - would have worried much more if TTC or pg or postmenopausal- as some women have had bleeding post vaccination.

I still didn't find it in any way reassuring the instant reponse was to dimiss there being problems - though its good it's being researched now.

@youtown same here. People may say I’m stupid but I am not risking anything messing up my menstrual cycle. Not after the heartache I’ve been through. I’ll get the booster when I’m pregnant.

I think the problem all along with the vaccine rollout is if anyone reports side effects or questions anything, they get fobbed off and told it’s coincidence or that covid can cause more problems etc. That’s why a lot of people are becoming nervous as they know any concerns they will have will be brushed off or they will be given the ‘anti-vax’ label for daring to mention it or have people tell them they are spreading misinformation.

My period was either missing for a cycle (from both vaccines) or came way early (booster)!

So yes it is definitely affecting many of us.

@Dollygirl2008

Sorry, but does it really matter?

I would say the same - no periods, or less frequent periods = good.

But I realise that if you are trying to conceive you may be concerned that less frequent periods also means less frequent ovulation.

@Dollygirl2008

Sorry, but does it really matter?

Of course it does! Is this even a serious question?

@JuergenSchwarzwald it’s not as simple as this though. When your body is ready for a bleed you can feel it (well I can anyway). PMT and cramps for almost 10 days and counting yet no period is no joke. And no, no chance I could be pregnant before anyone asks

I don't care if anyone says I am stupid. I simply don't want the vaccine. People just need to take their own individual decision.

That philosophy is lost on many people these days @Xenia but good for you. I was coerced into it and wish I’d not

[quote Youngatheart00]@JuergenSchwarzwald it’s not as simple as this though. When your body is ready for a bleed you can feel it (well I can anyway). PMT and cramps for almost 10 days and counting yet no period is no joke. And no, no chance I could be pregnant before anyone asks[/quote]
I'm the same. It makes the PMT so much worse

I had no issues for jabs 1 & 2.

Booster… i’m a mess! I am currently 5 days late. Been spotting for 3 days but no actual bleeding, cramps like usual etc.
My daughters will not be allowed these jabs. Thankfully I don’t want more children.

@ollyollyoxenfree

That's quite a biased summary of the research linked *@beachcomber*

Did you read the summary from Dr Male?

Sounds like you've just glanced over the review (regarding hypothetics of COVID/vaccination/pandemic on menstruation) and none of the actual population and epidemiological research manscripts

If you mean this, yes I read it.

www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n2211

I've also looked at the references and the responses.

Can you link to or cite whatever it is you find reassuring on the subject?

I did think that this was interesting in the responses:

Dear Editor,

In response to V. Male 'Menstrual Changes after COVID-19 Vaccination' published 16 September 2021,[1] further information suggests a separate hypothesis to the suggestion that any connection, if present, ‘is likely to be the result of immune response’. While there may be no association between new onset menstrual irregularities, postmenopausal bleeding and COVID-19 vaccines, clarifying research will also need to consider any possible theoretical toxicology in addition to immune responses.

^The excipient polyethylene sorbitan monooleate, also known as polysorbate 80 and Tween 80, is present in the ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 Vaccine (AstraZeneca®), and is related to a polyethylene glycol nanoparticle constituent in BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer®). Polyethylene glycol resembles polysorbate 80, minus the oleic acid component. Gajdova et al.[2] explored a possible association between polysorbate 80 and oestrogenic changes in rats. Polysorbate 80 doses of 1mg, 5mg and 10mg were injected into newborn rats on days 4, 5, 6 and 7. At 5 months of age the effects were compared with those in cohorts of untreated, water injected and diethylstilboestrol (50 microgram) injected rats. Authors reported ‘findings in the ovaries similar to those in the positive control [diethyl stilboestrol] group were also observed in all of the groups given Tween 80 [polysorbate 80]’. There was significant prolongation of the oestrous cycle and induction of persistent vaginal oestrous. There was a statistically significant (P