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Homam Safiah M, Kalalib Al Ashabi K, Khalayli N, Hodaifa Y, Kudsi M. The prevalence of menstrual changes in COVID-19 vaccinated women: A cross-sectional study. Prev Med Rep 2024; 44:102804. [PMID: 39040951 PMCID: PMC11261097 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to examine the prevalence of menstrual cycle changes (MCs) and their patterns among healthy Syrian women following the administration of the first and second doses of a vaccine. Methods A cross-sectional online survey following campaigns for COVID-19 vaccines was conducted in 2022 from June 26 to August 3. Data collected included the participants' demographic characteristics, vaccination status, and multiple-choice questions for MCs changes after the first and second doses. Results Of 236, 89.8 % completed all shots of the vaccine. After the first dose, 36.9 % reported MCs, and 35 % after the second dose. Most women did not experience changes in menstrual cycle frequency-81.8 % after the first dose and 83.4 % after the second dose. Similarly, most women did not observe changes in cycle length, or menstrual flow quantity-5.5 % after the first dose and 8 % after the second dose reported spotting. Dysmenorrhea was reported by 15.7 % and 14.1 % of women after the first and second doses, respectively. Conclusion MCs are a potential symptom that a healthy woman at childbearing age could have after a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. MCs patterns do not significantly differ following vaccine doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhd Homam Safiah
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | | | - Naram Khalayli
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Yara Hodaifa
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Maysoun Kudsi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Markovic A, Kovacevic V, Brakenhoff TB, Veen D, Klaver P, Mitratza M, Downward GS, Grobbee DE, Cronin M, Goodale BM. Physiological Response to the COVID-19 Vaccine: Insights From a Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded, Crossover Trial. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51120. [PMID: 39083770 DOI: 10.2196/51120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid development and implementation of vaccines constituted a crucial step in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive understanding of physiological responses to these vaccines is important to build trust in medicine. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate temporal dynamics before and after COVID-19 vaccination in 4 physiological parameters as well as the duration of menstrual cycle phases. METHODS In a prospective trial, 17,825 adults in the Netherlands wore a medical device on their wrist for up to 9 months. The device recorded their physiological signals and synchronized with a complementary smartphone app. By means of multilevel quadratic regression, we examined changes in wearable-recorded breathing rate, wrist skin temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, and objectively assessed the duration of menstrual cycle phases in menstruating participants to assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS The recorded physiological signals demonstrated short-term increases in breathing rate and heart rate after COVID-19 vaccination followed by a prompt rebound to baseline levels likely reflecting biological mechanisms accompanying the immune response to vaccination. No sex differences were evident in the measured physiological responses. In menstruating participants, we found a 0.8% decrease in the duration of the menstrual phase following vaccination. CONCLUSIONS The observed short-term changes suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with long-term biophysical issues. Taken together, our work provides valuable insights into continuous fluctuations of physiological responses to vaccination and highlights the importance of digital solutions in health care. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-021-05241-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andjela Markovic
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Social Neuroscience and Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ava Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Kovacevic
- Ava Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Zurich, Switzerland
- The Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Duco Veen
- Department of Methodology & Statistics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Programme, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - Marianna Mitratza
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - George S Downward
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Brianna M Goodale
- Ava Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Zurich, Switzerland
- Julius Clinical, Zeist, Netherlands
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Mackenzie ACL, Chung S, Hoppes E, Mickler AK, Cartwright AF. Measurement of changes to the menstrual cycle: A transdisciplinary systematic review evaluating measure quality and utility for clinical trials. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306491. [PMID: 39052601 PMCID: PMC11271926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of menstruation and the menstrual cycle to health, human rights, and sociocultural and economic wellbeing, the study of menstrual health suffers from a lack of funding, and research remains fractured across many disciplines. We sought to systematically review validated approaches to measure four aspects of changes to the menstrual cycle-bleeding, blood, pain, and perceptions-caused by any source and used within any field. We then evaluated the measure quality and utility for clinical trials of the identified instruments. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and four instrument databases and included peer-reviewed articles published between 2006 and 2023 that reported on the development or validation of instruments assessing menstrual changes using quantitative or mixed-methods methodology. From a total of 8,490 articles, 8,316 were excluded, yielding 174 articles reporting on 94 instruments. Almost half of articles were from the United States or United Kingdom and over half of instruments were only in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese. Most instruments measured bleeding parameters, uterine pain, or perceptions, but few assessed characteristics of blood. Nearly 60% of instruments were developed for populations with menstrual or gynecologic disorders or symptoms. Most instruments had fair or good measure quality or clinical trial utility; however, most instruments lacked evidence on responsiveness, question sensitivity and/or transferability, and only three instruments had good scores of both quality and utility. Although we took a novel, transdisciplinary approach, our systematic review found important gaps in the literature and instrument landscape, pointing towards a need to examine the menstrual cycle in a more comprehensive, inclusive, and standardized way. Our findings can inform the development of new or modified instruments, which-if used across the many fields that study menstrual health and within clinical trials-can contribute to a more systemic and holistic understanding of menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia C. L. Mackenzie
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chung
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Emily Hoppes
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandria K Mickler
- Research, Technology and Utilization Division, United States Agency for International Development and the Public Health Institute, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Alice F. Cartwright
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Payne LA, Wise LA, Wesselink AK, Wang S, Missmer SA, Edelman A. Association between COVID-19 vaccination and menstruation: a state of the science review. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 50:212-225. [PMID: 38857991 PMCID: PMC11246222 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2024-202274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menstrual health is a key patient-reported outcome beyond its importance as a general indicator of health and fertility. However, menstrual function was not measured in the clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of this review was to synthesise the existing literature on the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual health outcomes. METHODS A PubMed search to 31 October 2023 identified a total of 53 publications: 11 prospective cohort studies, 11 retrospective cohort studies or registry-based cohort studies, and 31 cross-sectional or retrospective case-control studies. RESULTS Identified studies were generally at moderate-to-high risk of bias due to retrospective design, interviewer bias, and failure to include a non-vaccinated control group. Nonetheless, the bulk of the literature demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccine is associated with temporary changes in menstrual characteristics (cycle length and flow) and menstrual pain. Follicular phase (at the time of vaccination) is associated with greater increases in cycle length. Evidence suggests temporary post-vaccine menstrual changes in adolescents, abnormal vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal individuals, and a potential protective effect of using hormonal contraception. CONCLUSIONS In this review we found evidence supporting an association between the COVID-19 vaccine and menstrual health outcomes. Given the importance of menstrual function to overall health, we recommend that all future vaccine trials include menstruation as a study outcome. Future vaccine studies should include rigorous assessment of the menstrual cycle as an outcome variable to limit sources of bias, identify biological mechanisms, and elucidate the impact of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Payne
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Siwen Wang
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alison Edelman
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Bar-Joseph H, Raz Y, Eldar-Boock A, Michaan N, Angel Y, Saiag E, Nemerovsky L, Ben-Ami I, Shalgi R, Grisaru D. The direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccination on human ovarian granulosa cells explains menstrual irregularities. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:117. [PMID: 38926432 PMCID: PMC11208497 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00911-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Following administration of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, many women worldwide reported short-term menstrual irregularities. Although menstrual bleeding, "the fifth vital sign", is experienced by more than 300 million people on any given day worldwide, these changes were only partially studied. Irregular periods are important well beyond fertility and the discomfort they impose; they are associated with the risk of cardiovascular morbidity, chronic diseases, and premature mortality. Pre-clinical examination of the vaccine polymeric envelope indicates its accumulation in the ovaries. The somatic endocrine cells of the ovarian follicle - the granulosa cells (GCs)-participate in the strict hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) feedback loop that governs the menstrual cycle via endocrine and paracrine regulators, as AMH and Inhibins. We aimed to unravel the direct effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on GCs and link their post-vaccine activity to changes in menstrual patterns. Human primary GCs exposed in-vitro to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2, demonstrated no change in their viability but altered mRNA transcripts, specifically of the regulatory key factors: InhibinB was upregulated, whereas AMH was downregulated. We further examined pre- and post-vaccination blood samples from individual women and found a 2-3 folds change in the post-vaccination FSH/InhibinB protein level ratio, compared to their pre-vaccination values. This altered expression of InhibinB could significantly impact the HPO axis in vaccinated women and may ultimately influence the endometrium cyclicity, manifested clinically by the commonly reported changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadas Bar-Joseph
- TMCR Unit, The Veterinary Service Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Yael Raz
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel. Affiliated to the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Eldar-Boock
- TMCR Unit, The Veterinary Service Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Nadav Michaan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel. Affiliated to the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoel Angel
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, The Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences and the Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Luba Nemerovsky
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF and Infertility Unit, Sha'are Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University Medical School of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9103102, Israel
| | - Ruth Shalgi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Grisaru
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel. Affiliated to the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Rahimi Mansour F, Keyvanfar A, Najafiarab H, Hooshmand Chayijan S, Farzaneh F, Mortezaei G. Menstrual Cycle Disturbances after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2024; 18:201-206. [PMID: 38973271 PMCID: PMC11245586 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2024.2016339.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following COVID-19 vaccination, some women suffered from menstrual cycle disturbances. This study aimed to investigate menstrual cycle disturbances after COVID-19 vaccination in women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 407 vaccinated women in the vaccination center of Imam Hossein Hospital (Tehran, Iran) between October 2021 and October 2022. They were interviewed based on a research-made checklist which consisted of two areas of questions about the baseline characteristics of participants and menstrual cycle characteristics to explore menstrual characteristics following COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS The prevalence of menstrual disturbances was higher after the third dose (38.3%) compared with the second (27.9%) and first (17.7%) doses (P<0.001). After the first dose, a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS, odds ratio (OR)=7.35, 95% confidential interval (CI)= (3.64-14.82), P<0.001] and menstrual disturbances with unknown etiology [OR=15.23, 95% CI=(6.30-36.80), P<0.001] could predict menstrual disturbances. After the second dose, a history of menstrual disturbances with unknown etiology [OR=3.83, 95% CI=(1.47-9.94), P=0.006] and menstrual disturbances after the first dose [OR=201.96, 95% CI= (40.99-994.90), P<0.001] were predictors of menstrual disturbances. After the third dose, a history of menstrual disturbances with unknown etiology [OR=3.09, 95% CI= (1.00-9.52), P=0.048], menstrual disturbances after the first [OR=9.82, 95% CI=(1.38-69.69), P=0.022] and second [OR=7.83, 95% CI=(1.46-41.92), P=0.016] doses could predict menstrual disturbances. CONCLUSION We detected that many women experienced various menstrual disturbances after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Furthermore, a history of menstrual abnormalities (before COVID-19 vaccination and following the previous doses of these vaccines) was associated with developing menstrual disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farima Rahimi Mansour
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirreza Keyvanfar
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Najafiarab
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Hooshmand Chayijan
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farah Farzaneh
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Golnoush Mortezaei
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jeon HJ, Lee WS, Park JE, Hwang JY, Kim JW. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccination does not affect basal sex hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol) in reproductive-age women. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:151-157. [PMID: 38525522 PMCID: PMC11140255 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People vaccinated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) mRNA vaccine have reported experiencing various adverse effects. For instance, reproductive-age women have presented with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding or menstrual cycle changes. We speculated that differences in basal sex hormone levels before and after vaccination may be present in women who experienced irregular bleeding or menstrual cycle changes; thus, this study aimed to investigate the differences in basal sex hormone levels of women before and after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. METHODS This retrospective study included patients who received SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines between January 2021 and February 2022 at a single center. In an outpatient setting, patients were queried regarding their menstrual cycle, the date of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, vaccination type, and vaccination side effects. Differences in basal hormone levels (menstrual cycle days 2-3, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and estradiol) before and after vaccination were compared. RESULTS Among the 326 patients, patients with no laboratory records of the hormones were excluded. The median time interval between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination and the laboratory test day was 79 days (interquartile range, 44 to 127). A comparative analysis of these hormones before and after vaccination revealed no significant differences. Subgroup analyses based on age and reported adverse events also found no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION This study showed no significant differences in basal hormone levels (FSH, LH, and estradiol) before and after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeng Jun Jeon
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Hwang
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Dubey P, Reddy S, Singh V, Yousif A, Dwivedi AK. Association of heavy menstrual bleeding with cardiovascular disease in US female hospitalizations. BMC Med 2024; 22:208. [PMID: 38783294 PMCID: PMC11119710 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common menstrual disorder associated with multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. In addition, HMB is often present with irregular menstruation (IM) which is a risk factor for CVD outcomes. However, the relationship between HMB and CVD outcomes is unexplored in the presence or absence of IM. We determined the association of HMB with multiple CVD outcomes using a nationally representative sample of female hospitalizations in the US. METHODS All hospitalizations of females with HMB diagnosis and normal menstrual cycles from ages of 18 to 70 years were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample Database, 2017. The HMB was defined using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 for excessive and frequent menstruation bleeding and included any current or history of HMB diagnosis. Outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF) or arrhythmia, myocardial infarction (MI), and diabetes (DM) were defined using ICD-10 codes. Adjusted logistic regression and prosperity scores-matched logistic regression analyses were conducted to summarize adjusted associations with an odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Among 2,430,851 hospitalizations, HMB was observed in 7762 (0.68%) females with age ≤ 40 years and 11,164 (0.86%) females with age > 40 years. Among hospitalizations with age ≤ 40 years, HMB was significantly associated with increased odds of CVD outcomes including MACE (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.08), CHD (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71), stroke (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.40), HF (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.03), and AF/arrhythmia (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.54). These associations were confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses. In contrast, HMB was not robustly associated with CVD events among hospitalizations of women with age > 40 years. HMB without IM was strongly associated with DM, HF, AF, and MACE outcomes while HMB with IM was strongly associated with CHD and AF outcomes in hospitalizations of young women. CONCLUSIONS HMB is associated with CVD events among US hospitalizations of young women. A routine investigation and screening of menstrual disorders, especially HMB, is useful for CVD risk stratification and management in young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Dubey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sireesha Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Vishwajeet Singh
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Consulting Lab, Office of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Abdelrehman Yousif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Alok Kumar Dwivedi
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Consulting Lab, Office of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
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9
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Brooks N, Irving SA, Kauffman TL, Vesco KK, Slaughter M, Smith N, Tepper NK, Olson CK, Weintraub ES, Naleway AL. Abnormal uterine bleeding diagnoses and care following COVID-19 vaccination. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:540.e1-540.e13. [PMID: 38219855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with small, transitory effects on uterine bleeding, possibly including menstrual timing, flow, and duration, in some individuals. However, changes in health care seeking, diagnosis, and workup for abnormal uterine bleeding in the COVID-19 vaccine era are less clear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on incident abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation in a large integrated health system. STUDY DESIGN Using segmented regression, we assessed whether the availability of COVID-19 vaccines was associated with changes in monthly, population-based rates of incident abnormal uterine bleeding diagnoses relative to the prepandemic period in health system members aged 16 to 44 years who were not menopausal. We also compared clinical and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with incident abnormal uterine bleeding between December 2020 and October 13, 2021 by vaccination status (never vaccinated, vaccinated in the 60 days before diagnosis, vaccinated >60 days before diagnosis). Furthermore, we conducted detailed chart review of patients diagnosed with abnormal uterine bleeding within 1 to 60 days of COVID-19 vaccination in the same time period. RESULTS In monthly populations ranging from 79,000 to 85,000 female health system members, incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosis per 100,000 person-days ranged from 8.97 to 19.19. There was no significant change in the level or trend in the incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding diagnoses between the prepandemic (January 2019-January 2020) and post-COVID-19 vaccine (December 2020-December 2021) periods. A comparison of clinical characteristics of 2717 abnormal uterine bleeding cases by vaccination status suggested that abnormal bleeding among recently vaccinated patients was similar or less severe than abnormal bleeding among patients who had never been vaccinated or those vaccinated >60 days before. There were also significant differences in age and race of patients with incident abnormal uterine bleeding diagnoses by vaccination status (Ps<.02). Never-vaccinated patients were the youngest and those vaccinated >60 days before were the oldest. The proportion of patients who were Black/African American was highest among never-vaccinated patients, and the proportion of Asian patients was higher among vaccinated patients. Chart review of 114 confirmed postvaccination abnormal uterine bleeding cases diagnosed from December 2020 through October 13, 2021 found that the most common symptoms reported were changes in timing, duration, and volume of bleeding. Approximately one-third of cases received no diagnostic workup; 57% had no etiology for the bleeding documented in the electronic health record. In 12% of cases, the patient mentioned or asked about a possible link between their bleeding and their recent COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION The availability of COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with a change in incidence of medically attended abnormal uterine bleeding in our population of over 79,000 female patients of reproductive age. In addition, among 2717 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding diagnoses in the period following COVID-19 vaccine availability, receipt of the vaccine was not associated with greater bleeding severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neon Brooks
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR.
| | | | - Tia L Kauffman
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Kimberly K Vesco
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR
| | | | - Ning Smith
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Naomi K Tepper
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christine K Olson
- Immunization Safety Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eric S Weintraub
- Immunization Safety Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Abu-Lubad MA, Abu-Helalah MA, QawaQzeh MS, Alahmad EF, Al-Tamimi MM, Ruba'I MK, Etoom SH, Alfayoumi RK, Aldaoudeyeh FE, AlAbabneh EA, Al-Kharabsheh AM, Alshraideh H. Impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccination on menstrual cycle symptoms in the south of Jordan: a cross-sectional study. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2024; 99:8. [PMID: 38594493 PMCID: PMC11004099 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-024-00153-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies have highlighted the need for more evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccines on the reproductive system and menstruation. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccines on menstrual symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional survey utilizing face-to-face interviews from January 1 to 31 March 2022 was conducted in the city of Al-Karak in southern Jordan. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and reproductive history, the contraceptive method used if any, menstrual cycle (MC) status, previous medical and drug history, and the impact of infection and vaccination on the MC. RESULTS The study questionnaire was completed by 400 participants with a mean age of 32.1±12.6 years. Regarding the history of COVID-19 infections, 33.8% of the participants reported a history of confirmed COVID-19 infections, 77.8% of them did not report any menstrual changes following the infection, while the remaining 22.2% reported changes in menstruation. The most commonly reported post-COVID-19 manifestations were irregular (27.6%) and light menstrual cycle (MC) (24.15) or dysmenorrhea (24.1%). Heavy menstruation was reported by 17.2% of participants post-COVID-19 infection. Two-thirds of the study participants (66.6%) reported no changes in the MC following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The most reported symptoms for those who experienced changes in the MC following the vaccination were irregular cycle (13.1%), heavy menstruation (7%), and light menstruation (7%). Other reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (4.6%), intermenstrual bleeding (1.2%), and amenorrhea (0.5%). CONCLUSION This study revealed minor changes in the MC following COVID-19 infections and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings are consistent with published reports. It is recommended that future clinical trials for new vaccines for women of childbearing age include outcomes related to sex hormones and MC. Women should be encouraged to take the vaccines and report symptoms to healthcare professionals for further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Abu-Lubad
- Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, P.O. Box 7 Mutah, Al-Karak, 61710, Jordan.
| | - Munir A Abu-Helalah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Public Health Institute, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Esra'a F Alahmad
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Malak M Al-Tamimi
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Mohammad K Ruba'I
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Sahm H Etoom
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Rawan K Alfayoumi
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | | | - Ekram A AlAbabneh
- Medical Students at Mutah University, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Ahlam M Al-Kharabsheh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan
| | - Hussam Alshraideh
- Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Mashinchi GM, McFarland CP, Hall S, Strongin DL, Williams GA, Cotter KA. Handicraft art leisure activities and cognitive reserve. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:683-714. [PMID: 37674299 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2253993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveOlder individuals face a higher likelihood of developing dementia. The rate of cognitive decline resulting from dementia is not equivalent for all, as some patients with dementia are able to function independently longer than others, despite having similar disease burden. The cognitive reserve (CR) theory provides one explanation for the differing rate of decline. CR suggests that there are factors-most notably, educational attainment and occupational attainment-that can protect against the cognitive decline. Although the beneficial effects of these notable CR factors are clear, not all are easily modifiable. Participation in leisure activities may represent a more easily modifiable factor. Some research hints at beneficial effects of leisure activities, although specific leisure activities have not been well examined. The present study examined the relations between handicraft art leisure activities (HALAs) and multiple cognitive domains. MethodArchival WAIS-IV and demographic data for 50 California retirement community residents were examined. ResultsHALA participation accounted for statistically significant variance in working memory performance (R2 = .40, β = .24%) over and above the established CR factors of age, depression, educational attainment, and occupational attainment. In addition, HALA participation was related to a better ability to perform abstract visual information tasks (Block Design subtest, r = .28, p = .05) and non-verbal reasoning tasks (Visual Puzzles subtest, r = .38, p = .008). ConclusionsHALA participation among older adults could contribute to the retention of cognitive function, supporting the role of HALA participation as a CR factor.
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12
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Edelman A, Boniface ER, Male V, Cameron S, Benhar E, Han L, Matteson KA, van Lamsweerde A, Pearson JT, Darney BG. Timing of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination and Effects on Menstrual Cycle Changes. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:585-594. [PMID: 38412506 PMCID: PMC10953681 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether menstrual cycle timing (follicular or luteal phase) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine administration is associated with cycle length changes. METHODS We used prospectively collected (2021-2022) menstrual cycle tracking data from 19,497 reproductive-aged users of the application "Natural Cycles." We identified whether vaccine was delivered in the follicular or luteal phase and also included an unvaccinated control group. Our primary outcome was the adjusted within-individual change in cycle length (in days) from the average of the three menstrual cycles before the first vaccination cycle (individuals in the unvaccinated control group were assigned a notional vaccine date). We also assessed cycle length changes in the second vaccination cycle and whether a clinically significant change in cycle length (8 days or more) occurred in either cycle. RESULTS Most individuals were younger than age 35 years (80.1%) and from North America (28.6%), continental Europe (33.5%), or the United Kingdom (31.7%). In the vaccinated group, the majority received an mRNA vaccine (63.8% of the full sample). Individuals vaccinated in the follicular phase experienced an average 1-day longer adjusted cycle length with a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared with their prevaccination average (first dose: 1.00 day [98.75% CI, 0.88-1.13], second dose: 1.11 days [98.75% CI, 0.93-1.29]); those vaccinated in the luteal phase and those in the unvaccinated control group experienced no change in cycle length (respectively, first dose: -0.09 days [98.75% CI, -0.26 to 0.07], second dose: 0.06 days [98.75% CI, -0.16 to 0.29], unvaccinated notional first dose: 0.08 days [98.75% CI, -0.10 to 0.27], second dose: 0.17 days [98.75% CI, -0.04 to 0.38]). Those vaccinated during the follicular phase were also more likely to experience a clinically significant change in cycle length (8 days or more; first dose: 6.8%) than those vaccinated in the luteal phase or unvaccinated (3.3% and 5.0%, respectively; P <.001). CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine-related cycle length increases are associated with receipt of vaccination in the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Edelman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, and Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon; the Department of Metabolism Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh and Chalmers Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland; Natural Cycles USA Corp, New York, New York; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts; and the National Institute of Public Health, Center for Population Health Research, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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13
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Maybin J, Watters M, Rowley B, Walker C, Sharp G, Alvergne A. COVID-19 and abnormal uterine bleeding: potential associations and mechanisms. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:153-171. [PMID: 38372528 PMCID: PMC10876417 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people who menstruate should receive in relation to the expected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID or COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation. Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to these reported menstrual changes are poorly understood. This review evaluates the published literature on COVID-19 and its impact on menstrual bleeding, discussing the strengths and limitations of these studies. We present evidence consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID having an association with changes in menstrual bleeding parameters and that the impact of COVID vaccination on menstruation appears less significant. An overview of menstrual physiology and known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is provided before discussing potential mechanisms which may underpin the menstrual disturbance reported with COVID-19, highlighting areas for future scientific study. Finally, consideration is given to the effect that menstruation may have on COVID-19, including the impact of the ovarian sex hormones on acute COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and reported variation in long COVID symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the current evidence and addressing gaps in our knowledge in this area are essential to inform public health policy, direct the treatment of menstrual disturbance and facilitate development of new therapies, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and improve quality of life for those experiencing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Maybin
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Marianne Watters
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Bethan Rowley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Catherine A. Walker
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | | | - Alexandra Alvergne
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford, U.K
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14
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Marcelino AC, Fim AB, da Cunha Pereira P, Monteiro I, Darney BG, Bahamondes L. Association between COVID-19 and vaccination on menstrual cycle. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:571-577. [PMID: 37855055 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in the menstrual pattern of women of reproductive age infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS A cross-sectional study at the University of Campinas, Brazil using Google questionnaire applied from December 2021 through February 2022, disseminated through snowball technique. Participants responded about characteristics of their menstrual cycle before the pandemic and before COVID-19 vaccination, and then about characteristics of their cycle 3 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and 3 months after vaccination. Our primary outcome was a binary indicator of changes in the menstrual cycle. We used multivariate regression analysis to identify factors associated with menstrual changes. RESULTS We received 1012 completed questionnaires and 735 (72.7%) were from women aged between 20 and 39 years, 745 (73.6%) were White and 491 (48.6%) lived with a partner. A total of 419 (41.6%) of the women reported SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, only two of them were hospitalized, and 995 (98.8%) of women had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. About menstrual characteristics, 170 (41.3%) reported changes after having COVID-19 and 294 (29.9%) after COVID-19 vaccination, respectively. Few years of schooling, lower income, and non-white ethnicity were related to higher reports of menstrual changes after COVID-19. Menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination were associated with not using contraception. Higher body mass index was associated with irregularities in cyclicity and bleeding days, after COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results corroborated the stability of the menstrual cycle after having COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination; however, there is a potential relationship between menstrual changes and socioeconomic factors as well as contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Marcelino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana B Fim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula da Cunha Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ilza Monteiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Blair G Darney
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
- National Institute of Public Health, Center for Population Health Research, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Luis Bahamondes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hosoya S, Piedvache A, Nakamura A, Nasu R, Hine M, Itoi S, Yokomizo R, Umezawa A, Hiraike O, Koga K, Osuga Y, Narumi S, Morisaki N. Prolongation of the Menstrual Cycle After Receipt of the Primary Series and Booster Doses of mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:284-293. [PMID: 38061045 PMCID: PMC10789385 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantitatively evaluate the effect of a booster vaccination dose against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on menstrual cycle in a large-scale retrospective cohort study using a menstrual cycle tracking smartphone application (app). METHODS Prospectively or retrospectively recorded data, including the start and finish dates of menstrual cycles, were collected with the app. Detailed data on vaccinations, side effects, and participants' characteristics were retrospectively collected from a questionnaire on the app. For each COVID-19 vaccination shot (first, second, and third), within-individual changes in menstrual cycle length up to the fourth postvaccination cycle were evaluated. RESULTS Among the 7,376 and 6,873 participants who had the first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses in different menstrual cycles, respectively, menstrual cycles immediately after the vaccination (first postvaccination cycles) were an average of 0.22 days (95% CI, 0.06-0.39) and 0.37 days (95% CI, 0.20-0.54) longer than the prevaccination cycle. In contrast, among the 1,672 participants who received the first and second doses in the same cycle, the first postvaccination cycle was an average of 4.21 days (95% CI, 3.69-4.72) longer. The second to fourth postvaccination cycles returned to the level of the prevaccination cycle. However, among the 4,768 participants who had the third COVID-19 vaccine dose, the menstrual cycle immediately after the vaccination was an average of 1.20 days (95% CI, 1.00-1.40) longer, with prolongation of cycles of 0.27 days (95% CI, 0.10-0.44) to 0.41 days (95% CI, 0.22-0.59) persisting from the second to the fourth postvaccination cycle. CONCLUSION The booster shot against COVID-19 may have a greater and longer-lasting effect on menstrual cycles than the primary-series shots. Although the effect size was small, evidence on the side effects of immunization on menstruation should be accumulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Hosoya
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, the Department of Social Medicine, and the Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, the Department of Healthcare Business, MTI Ltd, Shinjuku-ku, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, and the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba-shi, Japan
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Bardosh K, Krug A, Jamrozik E, Lemmens T, Keshavjee S, Prasad V, Makary MA, Baral S, Høeg TB. COVID-19 vaccine boosters for young adults: a risk benefit assessment and ethical analysis of mandate policies at universities. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:126-138. [PMID: 36600579 PMCID: PMC10850707 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2022, students at North American universities with third-dose COVID-19 vaccine mandates risk disenrolment if unvaccinated. To assess the appropriateness of booster mandates in this age group, we combine empirical risk-benefit assessment and ethical analysis. To prevent one COVID-19 hospitalisation over a 6-month period, we estimate that 31 207-42 836 young adults aged 18-29 years must receive a third mRNA vaccine. Booster mandates in young adults are expected to cause a net harm: per COVID-19 hospitalisation prevented, we anticipate at least 18.5 serious adverse events from mRNA vaccines, including 1.5-4.6 booster-associated myopericarditis cases in males (typically requiring hospitalisation). We also anticipate 1430-4626 cases of grade ≥3 reactogenicity interfering with daily activities (although typically not requiring hospitalisation). University booster mandates are unethical because they: (1) are not based on an updated (Omicron era) stratified risk-benefit assessment for this age group; (2) may result in a net harm to healthy young adults; (3) are not proportionate: expected harms are not outweighed by public health benefits given modest and transient effectiveness of vaccines against transmission; (4) violate the reciprocity principle because serious vaccine-related harms are not reliably compensated due to gaps in vaccine injury schemes; and (5) may result in wider social harms. We consider counterarguments including efforts to increase safety on campus but find these are fraught with limitations and little scientific support. Finally, we discuss the policy relevance of our analysis for primary series COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bardosh
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Allison Krug
- Epidemiology, Artemis Biomedical Communications, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | - Euzebiusz Jamrozik
- University of Oxford Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Oxford, UK
| | - Trudo Lemmens
- Faculty of Law and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salmaan Keshavjee
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Marty A Makary
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracy Beth Høeg
- Clinical Research, Acumen, LLC, Burlingame, California, USA
- Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Grass Valley, California, USA
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Latif R, Aldossary DA, Aljabari NA, Alowaied SS, Aljabari LA, Albash NJ, Alabdulhadi AS, Rafique N, Al-Asoom LI, Salem AM. Prevalence of menstrual irregularities after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. J Family Community Med 2024; 31:71-78. [PMID: 38406218 PMCID: PMC10883425 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_115_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports indicate that there are menstrual cycle disturbances following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. The present study explored the prevalence of menstrual irregularities after COVID-19 vaccination and the association of menstrual irregularities with vaccine type, doses, immediate adverse effects, history of COVID-19 infection, and its severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this cross-sectional study, 406 women of reproductive age completed an online survey about the postvaccine changes in their menstruation (cycle duration, bleeding days, and bleeding amount), COVID-19 vaccine history (doses, type of vaccine, and immediate adverse effects), history of COVID-19 infection, and its severity. Data was analyzed using SPSS; descriptive statistics were computed and Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS Of the total 406 women, 45% reported postvaccine changes in their menstrual cycle. The most common menstrual change was increased dysmenorrhea (68%), followed by an increase in the length of the cycle (52%). There was a significant association between postvaccine menstrual changes and the age, marital status, and family history of menstrual irregularities. No association was observed between postvaccine menstrual changes and COVID-19 vaccine-and COVID-19 infection-related variables. As per the best-fit model of our predictors, the odds of having postvaccine menstrual changes were 0.41 times less in "single" women (confidence interval [CI] = 0.26-0.27; P < 0.001) and 1.714 times greater in women who had a "family history of menstrual irregularities" (CI = 1.092-2.690; P = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSION A substantial number of women complained of postvaccine menstrual changes regardless of their age, type of COVID-19 vaccine, doses, immediate adverse effects, and COVID-19 infection history/severity. Being "single" decreased the probability, whereas having a family history of menstrual irregularities increased the probability significantly of having postvaccine menstrual changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Latif
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deena A. Aldossary
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najla A. Aljabari
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saja S. Alowaied
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Latifah A. Aljabari
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor J. Albash
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aseel S. Alabdulhadi
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nazish Rafique
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lubna I. Al-Asoom
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayad M. Salem
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Alvergne A, Boniface E, Darney B, Shea A, Weber K, Ventola C, Vitzthum VJ, Edelman A. Associations Among Menstrual Cycle Length, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and Vaccination. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:83-91. [PMID: 37562052 PMCID: PMC10715707 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with menstrual cycle length changes and, if so, how that compares with those undergoing vaccination or no event (control). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis in which we analyzed prospectively tracked cycle-length data from users of a period tracker application who also responded to a survey regarding COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination. We restricted our sample to users aged 16-45 years, with normal cycle lengths (24-38 days) and regular tracking behavior during the five cycles around COVID-19 symptoms or vaccination or a similar time period for those experiencing no event (control group). We calculated the within-user change in cycle length (days) from the three consecutive cycles preevent average (either vaccination, disease, or neither; cycles 1-3) to the event (cycle 4) and postevent (cycle 5) cycles. We used mixed-effects models to estimate the age- and country-adjusted difference in change in cycle length across the groups. RESULTS We included 6,514 users from 110 countries representing 32,570 cycles (COVID-19 symptoms: 1,450; COVID-19 vaccination: 4,643; control: 421). The COVID-19 cohort experienced a 1.45-day adjusted increase in cycle length during cycle 4 (COVID-19) compared with their three preevent cycles (95% CI 0.86-2.04). The vaccinated group experienced a 1.14-day adjusted increase in cycle length during cycle 4 (COVID-19 vaccine) compared with their preevent average (95% CI 0.60-1.69). The control group (neither vaccine nor disease) experienced a 0.68-day decrease (95% CI -1.18 to -0.19) in a similar time period. Post hoc tests showed no significant differences in the magnitude of changes between the COVID-19 and vaccination cohorts. In both cohorts, cycle length changes disappeared in the postevent cycle. CONCLUSION Experiencing COVID-19 is associated with a small change in cycle length similar to COVID-19 vaccination. These changes resolve quickly within the next cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alvergne
- Institute for Evolutionary Sciences, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon; the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Center for Population Health (CISP), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; and Clue by BioWink GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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Kauffman TL, Irving SA, Brooks N, Vesco KK, Slaughter M, Smith N, Tepper NK, Olson CK, Weintraub ES, Naleway AL. Postmenopausal bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:71.e1-71.e14. [PMID: 37726057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing literature base regarding menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination among premenopausal people. However, relatively little is known about uterine bleeding in postmenopausal people following COVID-19 vaccination. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine trends in incident postmenopausal bleeding diagnoses over time before and after COVID-19 vaccine introduction, and to describe cases of new-onset postmenopausal bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination. STUDY DESIGN For postmenopausal bleeding incidence calculations, monthly population-level cohorts consisted of female Kaiser Permanente Northwest members aged ≥45 years. Those diagnosed with incident postmenopausal bleeding in the electronic medical record were included in monthly numerators. Members with preexisting postmenopausal bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding, or who were at increased risk of bleeding due to other health conditions, were excluded from monthly calculations. We used segmented regression analysis to estimate changes in the incidence of postmenopausal bleeding diagnoses from 2018 through 2021 in Kaiser Permanente Northwest members meeting the inclusion criteria, stratified by COVID-19 vaccination status in 2021. In addition, we identified all members with ≥1 COVID-19 vaccination between December 14, 2020 and August 14, 2021, who had an incident postmenopausal bleeding diagnosis within 60 days of vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination, diagnostic procedures, and presumed bleeding etiology were assessed through chart review and described. A temporal scan statistic was run on all cases without clear bleeding etiology. RESULTS In a population of 75,530 to 82,693 individuals per month, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of incident postmenopausal bleeding diagnoses before and after COVID-19 vaccine introduction (P=.59). A total of 104 individuals had incident postmenopausal bleeding diagnosed within 60 days following COVID-19 vaccination; 76% of cases (79/104) were confirmed as postvaccination postmenopausal bleeding after chart review. Median time from vaccination to bleeding onset was 21 days (range: 2-54 days). Among the 56 postmenopausal bleeding cases with a provider-attributed etiology, the common causes of bleeding were uterine or cervical lesions (50% [28/56]), hormone replacement therapy (13% [7/56]), and proliferative endometrium (13% [7/56]). Among the 23 cases without a clear etiology, there was no statistically significant clustering of postmenopausal bleeding onset following vaccination. CONCLUSION Within this integrated health system, introduction of COVID-19 vaccines was not associated with an increase in incident postmenopausal bleeding diagnoses. Diagnosis of postmenopausal bleeding in the 60 days following receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tia L Kauffman
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | | | - Neon Brooks
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Kimberly K Vesco
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR
| | | | - Ning Smith
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Naomi K Tepper
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christine K Olson
- Immunization Safety Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eric S Weintraub
- Immunization Safety Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Aljehani AM, Banjar SA, Alawam HS, Alowais S, Aldraibi Y, BinSaif A, Alasiri G. The Relationship Between Menstrual Cycle Irregularities and COVID-19 Vaccination. Cureus 2023; 15:e49841. [PMID: 38164312 PMCID: PMC10758269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background After COVID-19 vaccination, females reported irregularities and changes in their menstrual cycle. We aimed to explore the menstrual irregularities following COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi women of childbearing age. Methodology The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who had no history of menstrual irregularities before receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The participants filled out an online self-administered questionnaire via Google Form about any menstrual irregularities they experienced after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Results A total of 535 participants completed the survey. The study found that 41.7% (223) of women experienced menstrual changes after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, increasing to 44.1% (236) after the second dose. The incidence of these changes varied between the first and second doses. For example, the incidence of changes in period duration decreased from 51.6% to 48.3% after the first and second doses, respectively. Similarly, the incidence of delayed periods decreased from 48.4% to 47.9%, while dysmenorrhea increased slightly from 30.9% to 32.2% after the two doses. The incidence of heavier menstrual flow increased from 26.9% to 30.5%, while the incidence of lighter menstrual flow decreased from 26.9% to 24.6% after the first and second doses, respectively. Conclusions There is an increased incidence of changes in menstrual cycle after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in menstrual cycle length, menstrual pain, and the flow of menstruation. Future studies are needed to investigate the potential underlying biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala M Aljehani
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Shaima A Banjar
- Department of Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Hadil Sultan Alawam
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Shams Alowais
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Yara Aldraibi
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Asayel BinSaif
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Glowi Alasiri
- Department of Research, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Riyadh, SAU
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21
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Alsalman M, Alhubail F, Bin Obaid F, Algouf I, Alomair B, Albunyan S, AlMudayris L, Alsalman Z, Khan AS. Impact of COVID-19 Vaccinations on Menstrual Bleeding. Cureus 2023; 15:e47360. [PMID: 38021843 PMCID: PMC10659569 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination has a fundamental role in protecting against and modifying the severity of several infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Several immune and non-immune adverse events have been reported post-COVID-19 vaccine. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on women's menstrual bleeding. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 vaccinated women in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a direct interview-based questionnaire including four sections. RESULTS A total of 399 women were recruited, with a mean age of 25.54 ± 6.177 years. More than half (53.9%) of the participants reported post-vaccination menstrual bleeding abnormality in terms of a heavy or irregular cycle. Out of the total number, 40 (21.4%) women reported having heavy menstrual flow, and 67 (16.8%) had non-menstrual bleeding after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Fully vaccinated women were at a greater risk of post-vaccination menstrual bleeding abnormality (p = 0.058). However, there was no correlation between booster shot type and menstrual bleeding abnormality (p > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant association between non-menstrual bleeding and the type of booster shot, the type of the first dose, and prior history of COVID-19 infection (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Despite vaccination being the most effective way to prevent COVID-19, it does have an impact on menstrual bleeding in terms of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the mechanism and the long-term impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the hemostatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortadah Alsalman
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Fatimah Alhubail
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Fidaa Bin Obaid
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Ibtisam Algouf
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Bayan Alomair
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Sara Albunyan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Lina AlMudayris
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Zaenb Alsalman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
| | - Abdul Sattar Khan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, SAU
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22
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Duijster JW, Schoep ME, Nieboer TE, Jajou R, Kant A, van Hunsel F. Menstrual abnormalities after COVID-19 vaccination in the Netherlands: A description of spontaneous and longitudinal patient-reported data. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3126-3138. [PMID: 37222170 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS During the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the number of reports of menstrual abnormalities increased rapidly. Here, we describe the nature and potential risk factors associated with menstrual abnormalities based on spontaneously reporting data as well as data from a prospective cohort event monitoring (CEM) study as these are poorly studied. METHODS Reports of menstrual abnormalities received by the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb in the spontaneous reporting system between February 2021 and April 2022 were summarized. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed on the reported menstrual abnormalities in the CEM study to assess the association between person characteristics, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and use of hormonal contraceptives and the occurrence of menstrual abnormalities after vaccination. RESULTS We analysed over 24 000 spontaneous reports of menstrual abnormalities and over 500 episodes (among 16 929 included women) of menstrual abnormalities in the CEM study. The CEM study showed an incidence of 41.4 per 1000 women aged ≤54 years. Amenorrhoea/oligomenorrhoea and heavy menstrual bleeding collectively accounted for about half of all abnormalities reported. Significant associations were observed for the age group 25-34 years (odds ratio 2.18; 95% confidence interval 1.45-3.41) and the Pfizer vaccine (odds ratio 3.04; 95% confidence interval 2.36-3.93). No association was observed for body mass index and presence of most comorbidities assessed. CONCLUSION The cohort study showed a high incidence of menstrual disorders among women aged ≤54 years, and this observation was supported by the analysis of spontaneous reports. This suggests that a relation between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual abnormalities is plausible and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke W Duijster
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Mark E Schoep
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theodoor E Nieboer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rana Jajou
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Kant
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Florence van Hunsel
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
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23
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Sanderson K. COVID vaccines linked to unexpected vaginal bleeding. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-02996-6. [PMID: 37749344 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
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Blix K, Laake I, Juvet L, Robertson AH, Caspersen IH, Mjaaland S, Skodvin SN, Magnus P, Feiring B, Trogstad L. Unexpected vaginal bleeding and COVID-19 vaccination in nonmenstruating women. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1391. [PMID: 37738335 PMCID: PMC10516485 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and vaginal bleeding among nonmenstruating women is not well studied. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health followed several cohorts throughout the pandemic and early performed a systematic data collection of self-reported unexpected vaginal bleeding in nonmenstruating women. Among 7725 postmenopausal women, 7148 perimenopausal women, and 7052 premenopausal women, 3.3, 14.1, and 13.1% experienced unexpected vaginal bleeding during a period of 8 to 9 months, respectively. In postmenopausal women, the risk of unexpected vaginal bleeding (i.e., postmenopausal bleeding) in the 4 weeks after COVID-19 vaccination was increased two- to threefold, compared to a prevaccination period. The corresponding risk of unexpected vaginal bleeding after vaccination was increased three- to fivefold in both nonmenstruating peri- and premenopausal women. In the premenopausal women, Spikevax was associated with at 32% increased risk as compared to Comirnaty. Our results must be confirmed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Blix
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Laake
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Juvet
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccines, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Hayman Robertson
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Siri Mjaaland
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri N. Skodvin
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Berit Feiring
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lill Trogstad
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Bisgaard Jensen C, Bech BH, Hansen SN, Rask CU, Fink P, Nielsen H, Meinertz Dantoft T, Thysen SM, Rytter D. Prevalence of and risk factors for self-reported menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination: a Danish cohort study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1825-1834. [PMID: 37437904 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there some characteristics that render individuals more susceptible to report menstrual changes following the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination? SUMMARY ANSWER We found that 30% of menstruating women reported menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination and several potential risk factors including stress, vaccine concerns, severe COVID-19 infection, and immediate vaccine symptoms were associated with these reports. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies suggest that COVID-19 vaccination might temporarily prolong menstrual cycle length by less than 1 day. Specific characteristics may trigger menstrual changes in temporal relation to the vaccination simply by chance or render women more vigilant to potential menstrual changes after being vaccinated. However, research investigating potential risk factors for reporting menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination is limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A population-based Danish cohort study. Data were collected from May 2021 to December 2021 as a part of the BiCoVac Cohort with the aim of examining non-specific effects following COVID-19 vaccination. The main study population included 13 648 menstruating women aged 16-65 years who completed all surveys, received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during the data collection period, and completed questions related to their menstrual cycle. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Potential risk factors included 14 biological, physical, or psychological measures. Information on most potential risk factors was self-reported and collected before the participants' first COVID-19 vaccination. Information about any menstrual change following COVID-19 vaccination was self-reported at the end of the data collection period. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for the association between each potential risk factor and reporting menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Any menstrual change following COVID-19 vaccination was reported by 30% of menstruating women. Most of the potential risk factors were associated with reports of menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination. In particular, higher odds were found among women who reported ≥5 immediate vaccine symptoms; OR 1.67 [1.50-1.86], had had a prior severe COVID-19 infection; OR 2.17 [1.40-3.35], had a high-stress level at baseline; OR 1.67 [1.32-2.10], or were concerned about COVID-19 vaccines prior to vaccination; OR 1.92 [1.50-2.45]. Lower odds were found among women with regular menstrual cycles using hormonal contraception; OR 0.71 [0.65-0.78]. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We were unable to address the causal effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the reported menstrual changes, as information about menstrual changes was not available among non-vaccinated women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study identified several potential risk factors for reporting menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination. Further studies are needed to establish causal associations and the clinical impact of self-reported menstrual changes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The BiCoVac data collection was funded by TrygFonden (id-number: 153678). No competing interests are declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - C Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P Fink
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - T Meinertz Dantoft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Marie Thysen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Rytter
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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Hajjo R, Momani E, Sabbah DA, Baker N, Tropsha A. Identifying a causal link between prolactin signaling pathways and COVID-19 vaccine-induced menstrual changes. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:129. [PMID: 37658087 PMCID: PMC10474200 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have been instrumental tools in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 helping to reduce disease severity and mortality. At the same time, just like any other therapeutic, COVID-19 vaccines were associated with adverse events. Women have reported menstrual cycle irregularity after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and this led to renewed fears concerning COVID-19 vaccines and their effects on fertility. Herein we devised an informatics workflow to explore the causal drivers of menstrual cycle irregularity in response to vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2. Our methods relied on gene expression analysis in response to vaccination, followed by network biology analysis to derive testable hypotheses regarding the causal links between BNT162b2 and menstrual cycle irregularity. Five high-confidence transcription factors were identified as causal drivers of BNT162b2-induced menstrual irregularity, namely: IRF1, STAT1, RelA (p65 NF-kB subunit), STAT2 and IRF3. Furthermore, some biomarkers of menstrual irregularity, including TNF, IL6R, IL6ST, LIF, BIRC3, FGF2, ARHGDIB, RPS3, RHOU, MIF, were identified as topological genes and predicted as causal drivers of menstrual irregularity. Our network-based mechanism reconstruction results indicated that BNT162b2 exerted biological effects similar to those resulting from prolactin signaling. However, these effects were short-lived and didn't raise concerns about long-term infertility issues. This approach can be applied to interrogate the functional links between drugs/vaccines and other side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman, 11733, Jordan.
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Jordan CDC, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Ensaf Momani
- Department of Basic Medical sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al Balqa' Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dima A Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman, 11733, Jordan
| | - Nancy Baker
- ParlezChem, 123 W Union St., Hillsborough, NC, 27278, USA
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Valnet-Rabier MB, Tebacher M, Gautier S, Micallef J, Salvo F, Pariente A, Bagheri H. Pharmacovigilance signals from active surveillance of mRNA platform vaccines (tozinameran and elasomeran). Therapie 2023; 78:499-507. [PMID: 37012149 PMCID: PMC10007713 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Two severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, tozinameran/BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®, Pfizer-BioNTech) and elasomeran/mRNA-1273 (Spikevax®, Moderna), were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) at the end of 2020, less than a year after the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In France, the health authorities have requested an intensive vaccination campaign, accompanied by a reinforced and active pharmacovigilance surveillance. This surveillance and analysis of real-life data, based on spontaneous reports received by the French Network of Regional PharmacoVigilance Centers (RFCRPV), has enabled to identify numerous pharmacovigilance signals. Some of them, such as myocarditis and heavy menstrual bleeding, have been confirmed as adverse effects of these vaccines. METHOD We propose a descriptive review of the main pharmacovigilance signals identified by the RFCRPV concerning vaccines from the mRNA platform. RESULTS Most pharmacovigilance signals were common to both mRNA vaccines: myocarditis, menstrual disorders, acquired haemophilia, Parsonage-Turner syndrome, rhizomelic pseudo-polyarthritis and hearing disorders. Other signals were more specific, such as arterial hypertension with tozinameran or delayed reaction site injection with elasomeran. CONCLUSION This non-exhaustive review illustrates the experience of RFCRPV in identifying and monitoring pharmacovigilance signals related to mRNA vaccines in France during the COVID-19 pandemics, and the crucial role of pharmacological and clinical expertise in this area. It also highlights the predominant contribution of spontaneous reporting in the generation of pharmacovigilance signals, particularly for serious and rare adverse events not detected before marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine Tebacher
- Centre de pharmacovigilance de Strasbourg, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Gautier
- Centre de pharmacovigilance Nord pas de Calais, service de pharmacologie médicale, CHU, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Joelle Micallef
- Centre de pharmacovigilance de Marseille, service de pharmacologie clinique et pharmacovigilance, AMU, APHM, 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Salvo
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm, BPH, U1219, Team AHeaD, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Service de pharmacologie médicale, centre de pharmacovigilance de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Pariente
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm, BPH, U1219, Team AHeaD, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Service de pharmacologie médicale, centre de pharmacovigilance de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Haleh Bagheri
- Service de pharmacologie médicale, CIC1436, Centre de pharmacovigilance de Toulouse, CHU Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France.
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Alvergne A. Why we must fight ignorance about COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual cycles. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:678-680. [PMID: 37429799 PMCID: PMC10285200 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a critical gap in female health science, fueling anxiety, polarized views, and vaccine hesitancy. Although menstrual cycles feel like a niche topic for some, efforts to augment knowledge on the 'fifth vital sign' experienced by more than 300 million people on any given day worldwide are crucial to promote gender equity in health.
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29
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Trogstad L, Laake I, Robertson AH, Mjaaland S, Caspersen IH, Juvet LK, Magnus P, Blix K, Feiring B. Heavy bleeding and other menstrual disturbances in young women after COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine 2023; 41:5271-5282. [PMID: 37451876 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many signals of menstrual disturbances as possible side effects of vaccination against COVID-19 have been reported. Our objective was to compare the risk of menstrual disturbances before and after vaccination among women aged 18-30 years in Oslo, Norway. METHODS We used electronic questionnaires to collect reports of menstrual disturbances from 3972 women aged 18-30 years, participating in the population-based Norwegian Young Adult Cohort. We examined the occurrence of menstrual disturbances (heavier bleeding than usual, prolonged bleeding, shorter interval between menstruations, longer interval between menstruations, spot bleedings, stronger pain during menstruation, period pain without bleeding) before and after the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Relative risks (RR) according to vaccination were estimated using a self-controlled case-series design. We performed additional analyses stratified by vaccine brand, contraception/hormone use, and presence of gynecological condition(s). RESULTS The prevalence of any menstrual disturbance was 36.7 % in the last menstrual cycle prior the first vaccine dose. The RR for heavier bleeding than usual was 1.90 (95 % CI: 1.69-2.13) after the first vaccine dose and 1.84 (95 % CI 1.66-2.03) after the second dose. Increased risks of prolonged bleeding, shorter interval between menstruations, and stronger pain during menstruation were also observed after both doses. The RRs did not differ with vaccine brand, contraception/hormone use, or presence of gynecological condition(s) for any of the menstrual disturbances. CONCLUSION Menstrual disturbances were common regardless of vaccination. We found increased risk of menstrual disturbances after vaccination, particularly for heavier bleeding than usual, prolonged bleeding, shorter interval between menstruations, and stronger period pain. In the future, menstrual characteristics should be included in vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lill Trogstad
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Laake
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anna H Robertson
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Mjaaland
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida H Caspersen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene K Juvet
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine Blix
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Berit Feiring
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Wesselink AK, Lovett SM, Weinberg J, Geller RJ, Wang TR, Regan AK, Willis MD, Perkins RB, Yland JJ, Koenig MR, Rothman KJ, Hatch EE, Wise LA. COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle characteristics: A prospective cohort study. Vaccine 2023; 41:4327-4334. [PMID: 37301706 PMCID: PMC10239900 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We prospectively examined the association between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle characteristics in an internet-based prospective cohort study. We included a sample of 1,137 participants who enrolled in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a preconception cohort study of couples trying to conceive, during January 2021-August 2022. Eligible participants were aged 21-45 years, United States or Canadian residents, and trying to conceive without fertility treatment. At baseline and every 8 weeks for up to 12 months, participants completed questionnaires on which they provided information on COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle characteristics, including cycle regularity, cycle length, bleed length, heaviness of bleed, and menstrual pain. We fit generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with a log link function and Poisson distribution to estimate the adjusted risk ratio (RR) for irregular cycles associated with COVID-19 vaccination. We used linear regression with GEE to estimate adjusted mean differences in menstrual cycle length associated with COVID-19 vaccination. We adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical and reproductive factors. Participants had 1.1 day longer menstrual cycles after receiving the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (95 % CI: 0.4, 1.9) and 1.3 day longer cycles after receiving the second dose (95 % CI: 0.2, 2.5). Associations were attenuated at the second cycle post-vaccination. We did not observe strong associations between COVID-19 vaccination and cycle regularity, bleed length, heaviness of bleed, or menstrual pain. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a ∼1 day temporary increase in menstrual cycle length, but was not appreciably associated with other menstrual cycle characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Janice Weinberg
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca B Perkins
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer J Yland
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Martha R Koenig
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Vijayasingham L, Bischof E, Ateghang-Awankem B, Rumaney M, Otmani Del Barrio M, Cheah PY, Ter-Meulen AS, Tannenbaum C, Morgan R, Wolfe J. Acting on sex and gender in medical innovation is good for business. BMJ 2023; 381:e072242. [PMID: 37286208 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyne Bischof
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Renji University Hospital of Jiatong School of Medicine, Renji, Shanghai, China
- International Center for Multimorbidity and Complexity in Medicine (ICMC), Universität Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Cara Tannenbaum
- Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada
| | - Rosemary Morgan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jeannette Wolfe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate Campus, Springfield, USA
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32
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Taylor A, Male V. Covid-19 vaccination and postmenopausal bleeding. BMJ 2023; 381:1122. [PMID: 37197776 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ljung R, Xu Y, Sundström A, Leach S, Hallberg E, Bygdell M, Larsson M, Arthurson V, Gisslén M, Gedeborg R, Nyberg F. Association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts for menstrual disturbance and bleeding in women before and after menopause: nationwide, register based cohort study. BMJ 2023; 381:e074778. [PMID: 37137493 PMCID: PMC10543813 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-074778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the risks of any menstrual disturbance and bleeding following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in women who are premenopausal or postmenopausal. DESIGN A nationwide, register based cohort study. SETTING All inpatient and specialised outpatient care in Sweden from 27 December 2020 to 28 February 2022. A subset covering primary care for 40% of the Swedish female population was also included. PARTICIPANTS 2 946 448 Swedish women aged 12-74 years were included. Pregnant women, women living in nursing homes, and women with history of any menstruation or bleeding disorders, breast cancer, cancer of female genital organs, or who underwent a hysterectomy between 1 January 2015 and 26 December 2020 were excluded. INTERVENTIONS SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, by vaccine product (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222)) and dose (unvaccinated and first, second, and third dose) over two time windows (one to seven days, considered the control period, and 8-90 days). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Healthcare contact (admission to hospital or visit) for menstrual disturbance or bleeding before or after menopause (diagnosed with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes N91, N92, N93, N95). RESULTS 2 580 007 (87.6%) of 2 946 448 women received at least one SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and 1 652 472 (64.0%) 2 580 007 of vaccinated women received three doses before the end of follow-up. The highest risks for bleeding in women who were postmenopausal were observed after the third dose, in the one to seven days risk window (hazard ratio 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.62)) and in the 8-90 days risk window (1.25 (1.04 to 1.50)). The impact of adjustment for covariates was modest. Risk of postmenopausal bleeding suggested a 23-33% increased risk after 8-90 days with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 after the third dose, but the association with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was less clear. For menstrual disturbance or bleeding in women who were premenopausal, adjustment for covariates almost completely removed the weak associations noted in the crude analyses. CONCLUSIONS Weak and inconsistent associations were observed between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts for bleeding in women who are postmenopausal, and even less evidence was recorded of an association for menstrual disturbance or bleeding in women who were premenopausal. These findings do not provide substantial support for a causal association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts related to menstrual or bleeding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Ljung
- Division of Use and Information, Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - YiYi Xu
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Sundström
- Division of Use and Information, Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Susannah Leach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ebba Hallberg
- Division of Use and Information, Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Bygdell
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Division of Use and Information, Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Veronica Arthurson
- Division of Use and Information, Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gisslén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rolf Gedeborg
- Division of Licensing, Swedish Medical Products Agency, PO Box 26, 751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Nyberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Pollack B, von Saltza E, McCorkell L, Santos L, Hultman A, Cohen AK, Soares L. Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1122673. [PMID: 37234076 PMCID: PMC10208411 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1122673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID disproportionately affects premenopausal women, but relatively few studies have examined Long COVID's impact on female reproductive health. We conduct a review of the literature documenting the female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID which may include disruptions to the menstrual cycle, gonadal function, ovarian sufficiency, menopause, and fertility, as well as symptom exacerbation around menstruation. Given limited research, we also review the reproductive health impacts of overlapping and associated illnesses including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and endometriosis, as these illnesses may help to elucidate reproductive health conditions in Long COVID. These associated illnesses, whose patients are 70%-80% women, have increased rates of dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dyspareunia, endometriosis, infertility, vulvodynia, intermenstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and bleeding, pelvic congestion syndrome, gynecological surgeries, and adverse pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, maternal mortality, and premature birth. Additionally, in Long COVID and associated illnesses, symptoms can be impacted by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. We propose priorities for future research and reproductive healthcare in Long COVID based on a review of the literature. These include screening Long COVID patients for comorbid and associated conditions; studying the impacts of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause on symptoms and illness progression; uncovering the role of sex differences and sex hormones in Long COVID and associated illnesses; and addressing historical research and healthcare inequities that have contributed to detrimental knowledge gaps for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Pollack
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Lisa McCorkell
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lucia Santos
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ashley Hultman
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alison K. Cohen
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Letícia Soares
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Washington, DC, United States
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Bürzle O, Menges D, Maier JD, Schams D, Puhan MA, Fehr J, Ballouz T, Frei A. Adverse effects, perceptions and attitudes related to BNT162b2, mRNA-1273 or JNJ-78436735 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Population-based cohort. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:61. [PMID: 37095137 PMCID: PMC10123463 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00657-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term control of SARS-CoV-2 requires effective vaccination strategies. This has been challenged by public mistrust and the spread of misinformation regarding vaccine safety. Better understanding and communication of the longer-term and comparative experiences of individuals in the general population following vaccination are required. In this population-based longitudinal study, we included 575 adults, randomly selected from all individuals presenting to a Swiss reference vaccination center, for receipt of BNT162b2, mRNA1273, or JNJ-78436735. We assessed the prevalence, onset, duration, and severity of self-reported adverse effects over 12 weeks following vaccination. We additionally evaluated participants' perceptions of vaccines, trust in public health authorities and pharmaceutical companies, and compliance with public health measures. Most participants reported at least one adverse effect within 12 weeks following vaccination. Adverse effects were mostly mild or moderate, resolved within three days, and rarely resulted in anaphylaxis or hospitalizations. Female sex, younger age, higher education, and receipt of mRNA-1273 were associated with reporting adverse effects. Compared to JNJ-78436735 recipients, a higher proportion of mRNA vaccine recipients agreed that vaccination is important, and trusted public health authorities. Our findings provide real-world estimates of the prevalence of adverse effects following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and highlight the importance of transparent communication to ensure the success of current or future vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bürzle
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Menges
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julian D Maier
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Schams
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Tala Ballouz
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Frei
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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36
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Al Kadri HM, Al Sudairy AA, Alangari AS, Al Khateeb BF, El-Metwally AA. COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disorders among women: Findings from a meta-analysis study. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:697-704. [PMID: 36934644 PMCID: PMC9979695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID - 19 vaccine can lead to various local and systemic side effects, including menstrual irregularities in women. There is no robust quantitative evidence of the association between the COVID - 19 vaccine and menstrual irregularities. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of a range of menstrual disorders that may occur in women following COVID - 19 vaccination. METHODS After searching for epidemiological studies, we systematically performed a meta-analysis on PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Science Direct. Sixteen studies were finally included in the study. We estimated the pooled prevalence and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for a group of menstrual disorders, including menorrhagia, polymenorrhea, abnormal cycle length, and oligomenorrhea. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and the Q test. RESULTS Overall, the pooled prevalence of menorrhagia was 24.24 % (pooled prevalence 24.24 %; 95 % CI: 12.8-35.6 %). The pooled prevalence of polymenorrhea was 16.2 % (pooled prevalence: 16.2 %; 95 % CI: 10.7-21.6 %). The pooled prevalence of abnormal cycle length was relatively lower than that of the other disorders (pooled prevalence: 6.6 %; 95 % CI: 5.0-8.2 %). The pooled prevalence of oligomenorrhea was 22.7 % (95 % CI: 13.5-32.0 %). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, and polymenorrhea were the most common menstrual irregularities after vaccination. The findings also suggest that a relatively high proportion of women suffer from menstrual irregularities. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan M Al Kadri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Atika A Al Sudairy
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz S Alangari
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr F Al Khateeb
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf A El-Metwally
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ata B, Vermeulen N, Mocanu E, Gianaroli L, Lundin K, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Tapanainen JS, Veiga A. SARS-CoV-2, fertility and assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:177-196. [PMID: 36374645 PMCID: PMC9976972 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the access to and provision of ART treatments. Gradually, knowledge of the virus and its transmission has become available, allowing ART activities to resume. Still, questions on the impact of the virus on human gametes and fertility remain. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This article summarizes published data, aiming to clarify the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 disease on human fertility and assisted reproduction, as well as the impact of vaccination, and from this, provide answers to questions that are relevant for people contemplating pregnancy and for health care professionals. SEARCH METHODS PUBMED/MEDLINE and the WHO COVID-19 database were searched from inception to 5 October 2022 with search terms focusing on 'SARS-CoV-2' and gametes, embryos, reproductive function, fertility and ART. Non-English studies and papers published prior to 2020 were excluded, as well as reviews and non-peer reviewed publications. Full papers were assessed for relevance and quality, where feasible. OUTCOMES From the 148 papers included, the following observations were made. The SARS-CoV-2-binding proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2), are expressed in the testis, but co-expression remains to be proven. There is some evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the ejaculate of COVID-19 patients with severe disease, but not in those with mild/moderate disease. SARS-CoV-2 infection can impair spermatogenesis, but this seems to resolve after one spermatogenic cycle. Testosterone levels seem to be lower during and after COVID-19, but long-term data are lacking; disease severity may be associated with testosterone levels. COVID-19 cannot be considered a sexually transmitted disease. There is no co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the myometrium, uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. Oocytes seem to have the receptors and protease machinery to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, viral RNA in oocytes has not been detected so far. Women contemplating pregnancy following COVID-19 may benefit from screening for thyroid dysfunction. There is a possible (transient) impact of COVID-19 on menstrual patterns. Embryos, and particularly late blastocysts, seem to have the machinery to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies have not reported a significant impact of COVID-19 on ovarian reserve, ovarian function or follicular fluid parameters. Previous asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in females does not seem to negatively affect laboratory and clinical outcomes of ART. There are no data on the minimum required interval, if any, between COVID-19 recovery and ART. There is no evidence of a negative effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on semen parameters or spermatogenesis, ovarian function, ovarian reserve or folliculogenesis. A transient effect on the menstrual cycle has been documented. Despite concerns, cross reactivity between anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies and Syncytin-1, an essential protein in human implantation, is absent. There is no influence of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on patients' performance during their immediate subsequent ART cycle. Pregnancy rates post-vaccination are similar to those in unvaccinated patients. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review highlights existing knowledge on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproduction, but also identifies gaps and offers suggestions for future research. The knowledge presented should help to provide evidence-based advice for practitioners and couples contemplating pregnancy alike, facilitating informed decision-making in an environment of significant emotional turmoil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Ata
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Edgar Mocanu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Rotunda Hospital and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luca Gianaroli
- Società Italiana Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, S.I.S.Me.R. Reproductive Medicine Institute, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital and Medical Research Centre PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anna Veiga
- Barcelona Stem Cell Bank, IDIBELL Programme for Regenerative Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
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Hasdemir PS, Akar SS, Goker A. Response to the 'correspondence' from Kleebayoon & Wiwanitkit the effect of COVID-19 vaccinations on menstrual cycle and serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels in reproductive age women. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:187. [PMID: 37102572 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2200989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Solmaz Hasdemir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Sebnem Senol Akar
- Department of Infectious Disease, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Asli Goker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
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39
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Hasdemir PS, Senol Akar S, Goker A, Kosova F, Ucar D, Ozalp Ates FS, Akcali S. The effect of COVID-19 vaccinations on menstrual cycle and serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels in reproductive age women. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:153-161. [PMID: 36919413 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2181710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations on menstrual cycle and ovarian reserve in reproductive aged-women. Health care providers (n = 258) vaccinated with inactivated (CoronaVac) and mRNA based (Pfizer-BioNTech®) COVID-19 vaccines were included. All subjects completed a gynaecological and menstrual history questionnaire and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels were measured in serum samples collected before first vaccination and at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th months. The prevalence of new-onset menstrual dysregulation following vaccination was 20.6% and it was statistically significant compared to baseline (p = 0.001). Menstrual pattern turned back to normal in 59.6% of vaccinated women. Serum AMH levels gradually decreased until 6th month of follow-up compared to baseline (p < 0.001). A significant increase in serum AMH level was observed at 9th month of follow-up compared to 6th month follow-up levels (p < 0.001). The decrease in serum AMH level was statistically significant regardless of serum anti SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, subgroups of age, occupation, menstrual dysregulation following vaccination and presence of gynaecological diseases. In conclusion, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 causes a transient decrease on serum AMH levels and moderate irregularities in menstrual pattern increasing with age and is mostly reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Solmaz Hasdemir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Sebnem Senol Akar
- Department of Infectious Disease, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Asli Goker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Funda Kosova
- Department of Biochemistry, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Duygu Ucar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Funda Seher Ozalp Ates
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Sinem Akcali
- Department of Microbiology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
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Han E, Gyöngyösi M. [Long COVID-A New Challenge in Medicine: Focus on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding]. JOURNAL FUR GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE (OSTERREICHISCHE AUSG.) 2023; 33:7-12. [PMID: 36747883 PMCID: PMC9893966 DOI: 10.1007/s41974-023-00250-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID (coronavirus disease) has been described as a new multi-organ disease, which appears to be more prevalent in women than in men. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are a special subgroup of patients to consider with long COVID, as only scarce data have been collected to date. Menstrual changes are commonly observed during or after COVID-19; some studies also attribute slight changes of cycle length to previous inoculation against the virus. Pregnant women who have a symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at a higher risk for adverse outcomes and pregnancy-associated complications. Moreover, more and robust data are required to evaluate vertical transmission. COVID vaccines are the most effective tool against the pandemic, as they prevent infection, but also appear to be able to ease long COVID symptoms. Vaccines have been proven safe and effective in both pregnant and breastfeeding women. This article aims to present current data on long COVID in pregnant and breastfeeding women and elucidate risk factors and possible treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Han
- Abteilung für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Wien, Österreich
| | - Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Abteilung für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Wien, Österreich
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Molina-López A, Ocón Hernández O, Baena García L. [Association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and administration of COVID-19 vaccines with alterations in the menstrual cycle. Literature review]. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2023; 50:100822. [PMID: 36337070 PMCID: PMC9618423 DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2022.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A number of factors can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, including diseases or drugs, such as COVID-19 disease and vaccinations. The aim of this review is to explore the studies published to date that have studied the presence of alterations that may be related to COVID-19 or vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.We conducted a review in the PubMed database, selecting 10 articles in which the menstrual cycle of adult women of childbearing age was studied, 3 of them in which the participants had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 7 in which the participants had been vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Regarding COVID-19-related disturbances, 16%-47.2% of the participants presented a prolongation of their cycle, which was more frequent in those who reported more COVID-19 symptoms, and which normalised after 1-2 cycles.Regarding the alterations described after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, 45%-78% of participants reported menstrual cycle alterations, with disparate results for the different parameters analysed, except that the alterations resolved in about 2 months.Both COVID-19 disease and vaccination appear to be associated with the occurrence of menstrual disturbances, which are limited in time and not severe. However, studies are scarce to date, and it is important to continue to develop studies that provide scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Molina-López
- UGC Ginecología y Obstetricia Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España
| | - O. Ocón Hernández
- UGC Ginecología y Obstetricia Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España,Autor para correspondencia
| | - L. Baena García
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, España,Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Ceuta, España
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Abdel-Moneim YAS, Alghamdi HY, Alrashed AM, Jawhari AM, Bukhari SMM, Bukhari NMM, Abdel-Moneim AS. Menstrual cycle changes: A cross-sectional study of Saudi females following SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279408. [PMID: 36538566 PMCID: PMC9767340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporary changes in the menstrual cycle have recently been reported following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In the current study, we aimed to screen menstrual cycle changes following SARS-CoV-2 infection in Saudi Arabia. The type and duration of these changes have been screened in relation to the severity of coronavirus disease symptoms and vaccination status. In total, 956 individuals responded: sixty-nine did not get the COVID-19 vaccine, while the remaining were vaccinated with either a single dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine (n:45) or BNT162b2 vaccine (n: 142) or two doses of the vaccine (n:700) using BNT162b2 (n:477), ChAdOx1 (n:89) or ChAdOx1/ BNT162b2 (n:134). Approximately 26.1% (18/69) of the subjects who did not receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and 15.3% (29/188) and 26.4% (185/700) of the subjects who received single and double doses of the vaccines, respectively, reported menstrual cycle changes. The persistence of menstrual cycle changes for more than six months was reported by 6.4% (61/956) of the participants. These changes were significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. We concluded that menstrual cycle changes, associated with COVID-19 infection, increase due to the severity of COVID-19 infection. Thus, menstrual cycle changes are among the long-term effects associated with COVID-19 infection.
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The type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine does not affect ovarian function in assisted reproduction cycle. Fertil Steril 2022; 119:618-623. [PMID: 36539057 PMCID: PMC9758069 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether vaccination or the type of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 affects ovarian function in an assisted reproduction treatment. DESIGN A retrospective and observational study. SETTING University-affiliated private in vitro fertilization (IVF) center. PATIENT(S) Five hundred one patients who had received the complete vaccination schedule. INTERVENTION(S) Treatment before and after vaccination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Parameters for both reproductive outcomes and IVF results in patients vaccinated RESULT(S): We included 510 patients, distributed as follows: 13.5% (n = 69) received a viral vector vaccine, either the adenovirus serotype 26 vector vaccine (Ad26.CoV2.S; Janssen; n = 31) or the chimpanzee adenovirus vector vaccine (ChAdOx; AstraZeneca; n = 38). The remaining 86.5% (n = 441) received an messenger RNA vaccine from either Pfizer-BioNTech (n = 336) or Moderna (n = 105). Sample size for the unexposed women was n = 1190. No differences were found in any of the evaluated parameters for both reproductive outcomes and IVF results in patients vaccinated with any adenovirus or messenger RNA vaccine. When we compared the results after vaccination with different types of vaccines between the exposed and unexposed groups, and similar results were obtained in the days of stimulation or the doses of administered follicle stimulating hormone. Finally, the numbers of oocytes were as follows: Johnson & Johnson (9.2 ± 2.6), AstraZeneca (7.7 ± 1.2), Moderna (11.3 ± 1.8), Pfizer (12.6 ± 1.0), and the unvaccinated group (10.2 ± 1.5), P=0.057. CONCLUSION(S) These early results suggest no measurable detrimental effect on reproductive outcomes, regardless of the type of vaccine received.
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Alahmadi AM, Aljohani AH, Fadhloun RA, Almohammadi AS, Alharbi DF, Alrefai LS. The Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on the Menstrual Cycle Among Reproductive-Aged Females in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e32473. [PMCID: PMC9745981 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Male V. COVID-19 vaccination and menstruation. Science 2022; 378:704-706. [DOI: 10.1126/science.ade1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination causes small changes to menstruation that quickly resolve
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Gibson EA, Li H, Fruh V, Gabra M, Asokan G, Jukic AMZ, Baird DD, Curry CL, Fischer-Colbrie T, Onnela JP, Williams MA, Hauser R, Coull BA, Mahalingaiah S. Covid-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle length in the Apple Women's Health Study. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:165. [PMID: 36323769 PMCID: PMC9628464 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00711-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with change in menstrual cycle length following vaccination. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in mean cycle length (MCL), measured in days, between pre-vaccination cycles, vaccination cycles, and post-vaccination cycles within vaccinated participants who met eligibility criteria in the Apple Women's Health Study, a longitudinal mobile-application-based cohort of people in the U.S. with manually logged menstrual cycles. A total of 9652 participants (8486 vaccinated; 1166 unvaccinated) contributed 128,094 cycles (median = 10 cycles per participant; inter-quartile range: 4-22). Fifty-five percent of vaccinated participants received Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA vaccine, 37% received Moderna's mRNA vaccine, and 8% received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a small increase in MCL for cycles in which participants received the first dose (0.50 days, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.78) and cycles in which participants received the second dose (0.39 days, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.67) of mRNA vaccines compared with pre-vaccination cycles. Cycles in which the single dose of J&J was administered were, on average, 1.26 days longer (95% CI: 0.45, 2.07) than pre-vaccination cycles. Post-vaccination cycles returned to average pre-vaccination length. Estimated follicular phase vaccination was associated with increased MCL in cycles in which participants received the first dose (0.97 days, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.42) or the second dose (1.43 days, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.80) of mRNA vaccines or the J&J dose (2.27 days, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.50), compared with pre-vaccination cycles. Menstrual cycle change following COVID-19 vaccination appears small and temporary and should not discourage individuals from becoming vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Gibson
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Huichu Li
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Victoria Fruh
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Malaika Gabra
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Gowtham Asokan
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC USA
| | | | | | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Michelle A. Williams
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Brent A. Coull
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
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Qashqari FSI, Dahlawi M, Assaggaf HM, Alsafi R, Gari A, Abudawood A, Al-Doboke A, Alsulami S, Bukhari R, Majeed SA, Salih EA, Alfelali M, Makhdoom H, Jalal NA. Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on the Menstrual Cycle among Females in Saudi Arabia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:1083-1092. [PMID: 36475264 PMCID: PMC9692149 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i6.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of reports of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination in the Saudi population is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine(Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna) on the menstrual cycle among females in Saudi Arabia. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) from August 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected through a previously validated online questionnaire. Results A total of 2338 participants who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine participated in this study; 1606 (68.7%) of them received the second dose in addition to the first. The mean age of the study participants was 35.4±9.5 years. No significant associations were found between the type of COVID-19 vaccine and the impact on the menstrual cycle, either for the first or second dose (P-values > 0.05). A significant association was found only between the first dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the second question of "After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was" (P-value ≤ 0.05). Significant associations were found between the second dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the first and second questions of "After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was", and "After receiving the first dose, your next period was," respectively (P-values ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The study found a potential association between the COVID-19 vaccine and menstrual cycle irregularities, which could impact females' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi S I Qashqari
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Dahlawi
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamza M Assaggaf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Radi Alsafi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim Gari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Abudawood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Rabigh Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Al-Doboke
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seham Alsulami
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Bukhari
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Elaf Abdullah Salih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabi
| | - Mohammad Alfelali
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatim Makhdoom
- Applied Medical Sciences College, Laboratory Technology Department, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif A Jalal
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
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Wang S, Mortazavi J, Hart JE, Hankins JA, Katuska LM, Farland LV, Gaskins AJ, Wang YX, Tamimi RM, Terry KL, Rich-Edwards JW, Missmer SA, Chavarro JE. A prospective study of the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination with changes in usual menstrual cycle characteristics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:739.e1-739.e11. [PMID: 35841938 PMCID: PMC9277995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite anecdotal reports, the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual health have not been systemically investigated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the associations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination with menstrual cycle characteristics. STUDY DESIGN This study prospectively observed 3858 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study 3 living in the United States or Canada who received biannual follow-up questionnaires between January 2011 and December 2021 and completed additional monthly and quarterly surveys related to the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2020 and November 2021. History of positive SARS-CoV-2 test, COVID-19 vaccination status, and vaccine type were self-reported in surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021. Current menstrual cycle length and regularity "before COVID-19" were reported at baseline between 2011 and 2016, and current menstrual cycle length and regularity "after COVID-19" were reported in late 2021. Pre- to post-COVID change in menstrual cycle length and regularity was calculated between reports. Logistic or multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination and change in menstrual cycle characteristics. RESULTS The median age at baseline and the median age at end of follow-up were 33 years (range, 21-51) and 42 years (range, 27-56), respectively, with a median follow-up time of 9.2 years. This study documented 421 SARS-CoV-2 infections (10.9%) and 3527 vaccinations (91.4%) during follow-up. Vaccinated women had a higher risk of increased cycle length than unvaccinated women (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.19), after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors. These associations were similar after in addition accounting for pandemic-related stress. COVID-19 vaccination was only associated with change to longer cycles in the first 6 months after vaccination (0-6 months: odds ratio, 1.67 [95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.64]; 7-9 months: odds ratio, 1.43 [95% confidence interval, 0.96-2.14]; >9 months: odds ratio, 1.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.91-2.18]) and among women whose cycles were short, long, or irregular before vaccination (odds ratio, 2.82 [95% confidence interval, 1.51-5.27]; odds ratio, 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.77] for women with normal length, regular cycles before vaccination). Messenger RNA and adenovirus-vectored vaccines were both associated with this change. SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with changes in usual menstrual cycle characteristics. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with short-term changes in usual menstrual cycle length, particularly among women whose cycles were short, long, or irregular before vaccination. The results underscored the importance of monitoring menstrual health in vaccine clinical trials. Future work should examine the potential biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jasmine Mortazavi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biologym, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer A Hankins
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Laura M Katuska
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Leslie V Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Kathryn L Terry
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Janet W Rich-Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biologym, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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Diani S, Leonardi E, Cavezzi A, Ferrari S, Iacono O, Limoli A, Bouslenko Z, Natalini D, Conti S, Mantovani M, Tramonte S, Donzelli A, Serravalle E. SARS-CoV-2-The Role of Natural Immunity: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6272. [PMID: 36362500 PMCID: PMC9655392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity to COVID-19 may be useful to reduce the mortality/morbidity of this disease, but still a lot of controversy exists. AIMS This narrative review analyzes the literature regarding these two immunitary processes and more specifically: (a) the duration of natural immunity; (b) cellular immunity; (c) cross-reactivity; (d) the duration of post-vaccination immune protection; (e) the probability of reinfection and its clinical manifestations in the recovered patients; (f) the comparisons between vaccinated and unvaccinated as to the possible reinfections; (g) the role of hybrid immunity; (h) the effectiveness of natural and vaccine-induced immunity against Omicron variant; (i) the comparative incidence of adverse effects after vaccination in recovered individuals vs. COVID-19-naïve subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS through multiple search engines we investigated COVID-19 literature related to the aims of the review, published since April 2020 through July 2022, including also the previous articles pertinent to the investigated topics. RESULTS nearly 900 studies were collected, and 246 pertinent articles were included. It was highlighted that the vast majority of the individuals after suffering from COVID-19 develop a natural immunity both of cell-mediated and humoral type, which is effective over time and provides protection against both reinfection and serious illness. Vaccine-induced immunity was shown to decay faster than natural immunity. In general, the severity of the symptoms of reinfection is significantly lower than in the primary infection, with a lower degree of hospitalizations (0.06%) and an extremely low mortality. CONCLUSIONS this extensive narrative review regarding a vast number of articles highlighted the valuable protection induced by the natural immunity after COVID-19, which seems comparable or superior to the one induced by anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Consequently, vaccination of the unvaccinated COVID-19-recovered subjects may not be indicated. Further research is needed in order to: (a) measure the durability of immunity over time; (b) evaluate both the impacts of Omicron BA.5 on vaccinated and healed subjects and the role of hybrid immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Diani
- School of Musictherapy, Université Européenne Jean Monnet, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Oriana Iacono
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Mirandola Hospital, 41037 Mirandola, Italy
| | - Alice Limoli
- ARPAV (Regional Agency for the Environment Protection), 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Zoe Bouslenko
- Cardiology Department, Valdese Hospital, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvano Tramonte
- Environment and Health Commission, National Bioarchitecture Institute, 20121 Milano, Italy
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50
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Saçıntı KG, Oruç G, Şükür YE, Koç A. COVID-19 vaccine has no impact on the menstrual cycle. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3403-3404. [PMID: 36154356 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2124853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Koray Görkem Saçıntı
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Oruç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Emre Şükür
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Acar Koç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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