Thousands of women report disruption to periods after Covid jab

Thousands of UK women experienced disruption to their periods after Covid-19 vaccination, a new report reveals.

More than 30,000 women reported changes to their menstrual cycle after their jab, although the effects were “short-lived” and returned to normal after a single cycle, according to an article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

No evidence jabs affect fertility

The opinion article written by Dr Victoria Male, lecturer in reproductive immunology, said there is no evidence that vaccination against Covid-19 affects fertility.

However, Dr Male said more research is needed to ensure the success of the vaccination rollout, as hesitancy among women has largely been driven by “false claims” the jab could harm their chances of future pregnancy.

She wrote: “Failing to thoroughly investigate reports of menstrual changes after vaccination is likely to fuel these fears.

“If a link between vaccination and menstrual changes is confirmed, this information will allow people to plan for potentially altered cycles.

“Clear and trusted information is particularly important for those who rely on being able to predict their menstrual cycles to either achieve or avoid pregnancy.”

While common side effects from Covid-19 vaccination, including a sore arm, fever and fatigue, are listed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), changes to periods is not included.

Despite more than 30,000 reports of menstrual cycle disruption to the MHRA’s yellow card surveillance scheme, the cases are still too low to be added as a common symptom of coronavirus vaccination.

Dr Male added: “MHRA states that evaluation of yellow card reports does not support a link between changes to menstrual periods and Covid-19 vaccines since the number of reports is low relative to both the number of people vaccinated and the prevalence of menstrual disorders generally.