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

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.