Introduction:
Initially, to start off, let us gain some knowledge about the connection between the menstrual cycle and the immune system.
Are the Menstrual Cycle and Immune System Connected?
Do you know a connection exists between your immune system and menstrual cycles? During a menstrual cycle, at the time of ovulation, the immune system boosts itself to limit the interference of fertilization and implantation of eggs by foreign infectious substances. After fertilization and implantation, to adopt for pregnancy, the immune system diminishes.
The cells of the uterus contain immune cells, which are also affected by hormonal changes. Uterine infection can also bring about menstrual cycle changes. The anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus work together as a hormonal control center, which sends messages to the uterus and ovaries to raise or reduce the level of hormone. Thereby, it facilitates ovulation, fertilization, and resumption of the menstrual cycle when fertilization does not occur. Changes in the menstrual cycle can occur due to physical stress, chemical stress, and emotional stress, affecting the hormonal control center.
What Is Meant by Chemical Stress?
Medications bring about changes in the menstrual cycle, and this is termed chemical stress. Certain medications cause alterations in the menstrual cycle, while some may stop menstruation. Medicines for seizures, thyroid disorders, diabetes, depression, and hypertension may bring about these changes.
What Are the Menstrual Changes Associated With COVID-19 Vaccines?
Irregularities in the menstrual cycle have been reported in women affected with COVID-19, and evidence supports the fact. However, the association of COVID-19 vaccines and the menstrual cycle has not yet been proved. There have been reported cases of increased bleeding during menstruation and early occurrence of menstruation after COVID-19 vaccines, but it has not been verified yet. Cases of missed periods, lighter periods, spotting between periods, and spotting after menopause have also been reported.
The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom have reported more cases of menstrual abnormalities in women who have taken the AstraZeneca vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine than those who have received Moderna vaccine. However, there are no reports regarding the Moderna vaccine and its effects on the menstrual cycle.
Why Are Menstrual Abnormalities Associated With COVID-19 Vaccines?
Although the exact cause of the association of menstrual abnormalities with COVID-19 vaccines is unknown, it has been attributed to the interlinkage between the immune system, stress, and hormones. Fluctuating levels of the different types of hormones determine the occurrence of the menstrual cycle. The endometrial lining, which sheds every month during the menstrual cycle, links with the immune system. Therefore, the effect of COVID vaccination on the immune system might have caused the changes in the endometrium, leading to menstrual abnormalities.
Who Is at Risk of Getting Menstrual Abnormalities After COVID-19 Vaccines?
It has been stated that people who are older or have given birth might have heavier periods than usual because of the established uterine vasculature in these people. A high level of estrogen is also a contributing factor that causes heavier periods.
How Long Do Menstrual Changes Last?
Studies suggest that changes in the menstrual cycle last only a few days after vaccination and resolve on their own. These changes are subjected to the current cycle, and from the next cycle, they return to normal.
Why Is There a Lack of Study About COVID-19 Vaccines and Menstruation?
This is a common question that arises in everybody’s mind when discussing the relation between COVID-19 vaccines and the menstrual cycle. Following are the reasons for inadequate study:
- Most trials do not include women of reproductive age because of the harmful effects the medicine can have on the developing fetus.
- Also, even if women are included in the clinical trials, menstrual changes are not considered and asked about.
- Menstrual changes noted may not be severe enough to gain medical attention and might have been left out.
- In some cases, although the results have been noted, they are not available to the public.
Does Pandemic Stress Affect the Menstrual Cycle?
Studies have supported the fact that pandemic-related stress can bring about changes in the menstrual cycle. The alterations in the menstrual cycle include missed periods, irregular periods, and lighter periods. Increased level of stress can be due to any of the following factors:
- Social isolation.
- Increased smoking.
- Increased alcohol use.
- Concern about personal health and health of the loved ones.
- Weight management.
- Job pressure.
What Should Women Do to Normalize the Menstrual Cycle in This Pandemic?
1. Regular Exercise:
Exercise helps in maintaining a sound body and mind. It reduces the risk of cardiac diseases, decreases stress, aids in weight management. It also maintains the level of insulin and blood sugar. By this, the stress posed on your body due to a sedentary lifestyle can be significantly reduced.
2. Adequate Sleep:
Good sound sleep for seven to eight hours is ideal for a stress-free and healthy life. Inadequate sleep or disturbed sleep affects the hormone levels, which thereby affects the menstrual cycle.
3. Healthy Diet:
Having a balanced diet is needed for maintaining normal menstruation. A balanced diet should contain the required amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, and iron. Also, a daily intake of 64 ounces of water is needed for a healthy menstrual cycle. When there is a disruption in the intake, menstrual cycle abnormalities will occur.
4. Stress:
Stress factors, both physical and emotional, bring about some alterations to the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is essential to note the stressors and handle them in the best possible way to avoid the effects.
Conclusion:
Getting a vaccine and having changes in the menstrual cycle does not always mean it is an effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. Even in a pandemic, common things do happen. Therefore, do not have assumptions and look for general problems first.
