Menstrual Changes Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Outpatient Reproductive-Age Visitors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A 2023 Cross-Sectional Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Authors

Abdulrahman T. Abudawood, Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Iman M. Wahby, Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia AND Community and Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Egypt
Hala A. Bagabir, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia AND Neuroscience and Geroscience Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Najla M. Almudayni, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Alya N. Alkhunaizi, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Asma A. Alfarsi, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Taghreed F. Alnahari, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The potential link between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disturbances has raised significant concern. Women who have experienced menstrual changes are apprehensive about receiving booster doses due to concerns about the duration of these side effects.

Objectives: To determine whether COVID-19 vaccines are associated with menstrual disturbances by assessing the vaccine’s impact on various aspects of the menstrual cycle, including cycle length, amount of bleeding, and pain.

Method: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted using an online questionnaire among women of reproductive age (18-35 years) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Participants were recruited between December 2022 and January 2023 and asked about their usual menstrual cycles before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Results: A total of 400 reproductive-age females responded to the online survey. Thirteen participants were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving a final sample of 387 women. Overall, 45.2% of subjects reported alterations in menstrual cycles following COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, 24.8% of participants experienced heavier bleeding, 25.6% had prolonged bleeding, 30.5% reported spotting after vaccination, 38% reported long intervals between cycles, 42.9% reported increased menstrual pain, and 42.1% experienced period pain without bleeding.

Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination is associated with noticeable alterations in the menstrual cycle, with almost half of participating females reporting cycle changes. The most commonly reported symptoms included increased menstrual pain, period pain without bleeding, and longer intervals between cycles. Additionally, a notable proportion of participants reported heavier bleeding, prolonged bleeding, and spotting. These results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may influence menstrual health.

First Page

162

Last Page

167

Recommended Citation

Abudawood, Abdulrahman T.; Wahby, Iman M.; Bagabir, Hala A.; Almudayni, Najla M.; Alkhunaizi, Alya N.; Alfarsi, Asma A.; and Alnahari, Taghreed F. (2025) "Menstrual Changes Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Outpatient Reproductive-Age Visitors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A 2023 Cross-Sectional Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences: Vol. 32: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64064/1658-4279.1017

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.