Menstrual Changes Research Articles

Menstrual Cycle Patterns After Concussion in Adolescent Patients

To describe menstrual cycle patterns in adolescents with concussion and investigate whether menstrual cycle phase at injury influenced postconcussion cycle pattern changes or concussion symptoms. Data were collected prospectively from patients aged 13-18years presenting to a specialty care concussion clinic for an initial visit (≤28days postconcussion) and, if clinically indicated, at a follow-up visit 3-4months postinjury. Primary outcomes included menstrual cycle pattern change since injury (change/no change), menstrual cycle phase at time of injury (calculated using date of last period before injury), and symptom endorsement and severity, measured by Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Fisher exact tests were used to determine the association between menstrual phase at injury and change in cycle pattern. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether menstrual phase at injury was associated with PCSI endorsement and symptom severity, adjusting for age. Five hundred twelve postmenarchal adolescents were enrolled (age15.2±1.4years), with 111 (21.7%) returning for follow-up at 3-4months. Menstrual pattern change was reported by 4% of patients at initial visit and 10.8% of patients at follow-up. At 3-4months, menstrual phase at injury was not associated with menstrual cycle changes (P=.40) but was associated with endorsement of concussion symptoms on the PCSI (P=.01). At 3-4months' postconcussion, 1 in 10 adolescents experienced a change in menses. Menstrual cycle phase at injury was associated with postconcussion symptom endorsement. Leveraging a large sample of postconcussion menstrual patterns, this study represents foundational data regarding potential menstrual cycle effects of concussion in female adolescents.

A Field Test of the NORMAL Job Aid With Community Health Workers in Kenya to Address Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes.

Concerns about contraceptive-induced menstrual changes (CIMCs) contribute to nonuse and discontinuation of family planning (FP). Current counseling materials inadequately address these concerns. After obtaining initial feedback, we field-tested an adapted version of the NORMAL job aid that guides community health workers on how to counsel women about CIMCs. The field test aimed to help understand how the job aid was used, the challenges faced in using it, and recommendations to improve the job aid. Sixteen community health volunteers (CHVs) from 2 subcounties in Kenya were trained on the 2-page job aid and given copies of the job aid to use with clients. Six to 8 weeks after the training, we interviewed the CHVs about their experiences using the job aid. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify qualitative themes. All 16 CHVs reported using the job aid each time they counseled. All liked it and said they used it because it gave them new information and made counseling easier. All reported offering the job aid to most clients and that most clients accepted a copy. CHVs noted clients referred their friends and family to them after counseling using the job aid. CHVs said the job aid reduced clients' and their male partners' concerns about CIMCs and helped clients select or switch FP methods. Most CHVs did not have suggestions for improving the job aid. The job aid was highly acceptable to the CHVs who participated in this small assessment. According to the CHVs, it increased counseling effectiveness and may help increase uptake and continued use of FP methods directly through counseling or indirectly through diffusion in the community. Though further research is needed in other settings and to quantify its impact, we recommend this promising job aid be adapted for wider use.

Long COVID-A New Challenge in Medicine: Focus on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Long COVID (coronavirus disease) has been described as anew multi-organ disease, which appears to be more prevalent in women than in men. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are aspecial 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 asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at ahigher 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.

The COVID-19 vaccine did not affect the basal immune response and menstruation in female athletes.

The COVID-19 pandemic restricted the regular training and competition program of athletes. Vaccines against COVID-19 are known to be beneficial for the disease; however, the unknown side effects of vaccines and postvaccination reactions have made some athletes hesitant to get vaccinated. We investigated the changes in inflammatory responses and menstrual cycles of female athletes before and after vaccination. Twenty female athletes were enrolled in this study. Blood was collected from each subject before the first COVID-19 vaccination and after the first and second vaccinations. Laboratory data, including white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, and inflammatory markers, including NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet lymphocyte ratio), RPR (red cell distribution width to platelet ratio), SII (systemic immune-inflammation index), and NeuPla (neutrophil-platelet ratio), were analyzed statistically. The menstrual changes before and after vaccination and the side effects were collected by questionnaires. No significant changes in the laboratory data were found after the first and second shots when compared to those at prevaccination: white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, NLR, PLR, SII, RPR, and NeuPla (p> 0.05). In addition, there were no significant changes in the menstruation cycle or days of the menstrual period (p> 0.05). All side effects after vaccination were mild and subsided in 2 days. The blood cell counts, inflammatory markers, and menstruation of female athletes were not affected by COVID-19 vaccines.

The impact of COVID-19 on select considerations in patients of reproductive age: Brief talking points for pharmacists

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has elicited many health concerns, including the impact of the infection and vaccine on reproductive health. Although robust evidence demonstrates the safety of all available COVID-19 vaccines, misinformation and disinformation related to the vaccine continue to circulate. As accessible and essential health care workers, it is crucial that pharmacists are informed of the evidence related to effects of the COVID-19 infection and vaccinations on reproductive health care. Menstrual cycle changes have been noted owing to COVID-19 infection, pandemic stress, and COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 infection and vaccination have not been shown to influence female fertility, pregnancy rates, and lactation. The use of exogenous estrogen may further contribute to an increased risk of thromboembolism with COVID-19 infection, and differences in the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis appear to exist between the types of vaccines. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh any risks. Shared decision-making is necessary when discussing vaccination with patients. Pharmacists play a vital role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation related to the impact of COVID-19 illness and vaccination on reproductive health care.

Covid-19 Vaccinations and Menstrual Cycle Alteration

The rapid development of safe and effective vaccines against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a triumph of medical sciences, but vaccines only work if people take them. COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with change in menstrual cycle length following vaccination. Although there is extensive evidence that COVID-19 vaccination does not affect fertility, misinformation that it could has been a major source of vaccine hesitancy among young women. As the vaccination program was rolled out to younger age groups, some people noticed menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination, and many members of the public found these reports concerning. Research was needed to generate robust data to inform healthcare professionals and the public about these potential side effects. Menstrual changes have been reported in association with a variety of vaccines, including those against pathogens other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), so the aim of this work is to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection and the menstrual cycle changes because of it.

Menstrual changes after the thrombo-prophylaxis or anticoagulants used during the COVID-19 infection.

To detect the menstrual changes after the thrombo-prophylaxis or anticoagulants used during the COVID-19 infection. A total of 176 diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, were included in this retrospective study after giving informed consent. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire, and the collected participants` data were analysed using the χ2 test to detect the menstrual changes after the thrombo-prophylaxis or anticoagulants used during the COVID-19 infection. The number of participants` number who reported menstrual flow for 2 to < 5 days, and menstrual flow > 7 days after the COVID-19 infection [31/176 (17.6%), and 42/176 (23.9%), respectively] was significantly higher compared to the number of participants` who reported menstrual flow for 2 to < 5 days, and menstrual flow > 7 days before the COVID-19 infection [12/176 (6.8%), and 15/176 (8.5%), respectively], (p = 0.005, and 0.0009, respectively). The use of thrombo-prophylaxis or anticoagulants during the COVID-19 infection was also associated with significant menstrual pattern changes (37.8% increased menstrual flow, 18.5% menstrual flow for 2 to < 5 days, 59.7% menstrual flow > 7 days, 5.9% contact bleeding, and 6.7% abnormal menstrual pattern for one cycle). Significant menstrual changes were observed in this study after the COVID-19 infection infection (17.6% reported menstrual flow for 2 to < 5 days, and 23.9% reported menstrual flow > 7 days). The use of thrombo-prophylaxis or anticoagulants during the COVID-19 infection infection was associated with significant menstrual changes (37.8% increased menstrual flow, 18.5% menstrual flow for 2 to < 5 days, 59.7% menstrual flow > 7 days, 5.9% contact bleeding, and 6.7% abnormal menstrual pattern for one cycle).

Health-Seeking Behaviors and Treatments Received for Menopause Symptoms: A Questionnaire Survey among Midlife Women Attending Primary Healthcare Clinics in Malaysia.

This study aimed to assess menopause symptoms, treatment-seeking behaviors, treatments received, and factors associated with seeking consultation from healthcare providers (HCPs). Using a self-administered Menopause Quick-6 in the Malay language (MQ6[M]) questionnaire, we surveyed 349 women aged 40-60 years attending primary healthcare clinics in four states in Malaysia for their menopause symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors for menopause symptoms were assessed using questions regarding HCPs consulted and treatments prescribed. Binary logistic regression was employed on factors associated with seeking consultation for menopause symptoms. Using MQ6(M), we observed that 125 (31.3%) women reported at least one menopause symptom, with joint pains (42.8%), menstrual changes (39.5%), and hot flashes (29.3%) being the most frequent symptoms. Furthermore, 60% of the women were prescribed vitamins, and only 13% were administered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Medical comorbidities, the presence of at least one gynecological condition, menopause status, and MQ6(M) score were associated with seeking consultation with an HCP. For women with medical conditions, the odds of seeking consultation increased by a factor of 1.34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.76) for every additional comorbidity. The odds of seeking consultation from an HCP increased by a factor of 1.26 (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47) with a unit increase in MQ6(M) score. Most women had menopause symptoms but favored the use of complementary and alternative medicine over HRT. Screening and awareness of menopause treatments need to be improved at primary healthcare clinics.

Menstrual health and management during the COVID-19 syndemic in the Barcelona area (Spain): A qualitative study.

Available evidence suggests that menstrual health and management have been impaired during the COVID-19 syndemic. However, research in this area is scarce, and it is failing to voice the experiences of women and people who menstruate regarding their menstrual experiences. This study aimed to explore the experiences of menstrual health and menstrual management among women and people who menstruate in the Barcelona area (Spain) during the COVID-19 syndemic. This is a qualitative study, conducted taking a critical feminist approach, is embedded in the 'Equity and Menstrual Health in Spain' project. It includes photo-elicitation individual interviews with 34 women and people who menstruate in the area of Barcelona (Spain). Data were collected in person and through telephone calls between December 2020 and February 2021. Analyses were performed using Thematic Analysis. Main findings navigated through the menstrual changes experienced by some participants, especially women living with long COVID-19, and the barriers to access healthcare and menstrual products during COVID-19. While some participants experienced menstrual poverty, this did not appear to be exacerbated during COVID-19. Instead, access to menstrual products was compromised based on products' availability and mobility restrictions. Menstrual management and self-care were generally easier, given that menstrual experiences were almost exclusively relegated to private spaces during lockdown periods. Our findings highlight the need to further research and policy efforts towards promoting menstrual health and equity, considering social determinants of health, and taking intersectional and gender-based approaches. These strategies should be further encouraged in social and health crises such as the COVID-19 syndemic.

Evaluation of menstrual symptoms after Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in women with endometriosis.

Vaccination can have an impact on menstruation, and this impact may be more notable in women with inflammatory gynecological pathologies such as endometriosis. We aimed to investigate the impact of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on menstrual cycle-related symptoms in women with endometriosis and assess the effect of hormonal therapy on potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-induced menstrual changes. A total of 848 women who received at least two doses of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines were prospectively recruited: 407 with endometriosis (endometriosis group) and 441 healthy controls (non-endometriosis group). Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, hormonal treatment, and menstrual-associated symptoms in the first and second cycle after vaccination were collected through an online survey. A similar percentage of patients in both the endometriosis and the non-endometriosis group self-reported menstrual-associated changes the first (52.6% versus 48.8%, respectively) and second cycle after vaccination (29.0% versus 28.1%, respectively). Although the total symptoms recorded were not different between the two groups, several specific symptoms were statistically more frequent in the endometriosis group. These were pain disorders and fatigue in the first cycle after vaccination and pain disorders, menstrual headache and fatigue in the second cycle after vaccination. Bleeding frequency/regularity disorders were found to be more frequent in the non-endometriosis group in the first cycle after vaccination. Patients under hormonal treatment reported fewer changes in menstrual symptoms in the first and second cycle after vaccination compared with those not receiving this treatment. Similarly, patients in the endometriosis group receiving hormonal treatment reported fewer changes in menstrual-associated symptoms compared with those not following any hormonal treatment in the first and second menstrual cycle after the last vaccination. Women with endometriosis immunized with mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines did not perceive greater worsening or new menstrual-associated symptoms after complete COVID-19 vaccination compared with healthy controls. Hormonal treatment may have a protective effect against worsened or new menstrual symptoms induced by COVID-19 vaccination.

Transient Menstrual Cycle changes Post Precautionary Dose Covid Vaccine in Indian Population

Introduction: Increased reporting of menstrual disturbances Post Precautionary dose Covid Vaccine among peergroup and inadequate answers to questions pertaining to changes in menstruation after precautionary dose vaccinewas the rationale for conducting this study. The aim was to assess the influence of COVID-19 precautionary vaccineon menstruation. Methodology: Study was performed using Menstruation -vac Questionnare. 198 participantsof which 114 were included in the age group of 19-45 years. Participants with prior menstrual irregularitieswere excluded from the study. Results: The prevalence of changes in menstrual cycles post precautionary dosevaccination was in 30.70%. In our study the prevalence of changes in menstrual cycles post- precautionary dosevaccination was found to be 15.8%, 15.8%, 10.5%, 7.9%, 7% &amp; 5.3% in 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th cycle respectively.Conclusion: Menstrual changes post-vaccination were insignificant; however a trend towards transient changeswas observed returning to near normalcy after the 4th cycle post precautionary dose.

The effect of COVID-19 infection on the menstrual cycle: a cross-sectional investigation in the MENA region

Due to the paucity of literature on COVID-19 and menstrual irregularities, this study aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 infection on menstrual changes in premenopausal women within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A cross-sectional investigation utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted between July and August of 2021. A total of 499 females participated in our survey with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.4 years. The majority of participants had regular periods (74.1%) and were disease free (81.6%). Mild, moderate, and severe symptoms were documented in 58.9%, 26.7%, and 3.0% of the studied cohort, respectively. Females experienced significantly more menstrual abnormalities after COVID-19 infection than during the pandemic prior to infection (p < 0.001). Those females were significantly older (p = 0.031), had more severe symptoms (p = 0.029), and were more likely to have experienced irregularities during the epidemic (p < 0.001). COVID-19 infection seems to induce menstrual abnormalities in premenopausal females. These abnormalities could manifest as increased frequency or severity and are associated with older women.

Fetal growth restriction: does dating by ultrasound versus last menstrual period change the antepartum diagnosis?

To determine if the antenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is resolved when the estimated delivery date (EDD) is determined by crown-rump length (CRL) on ultrasound instead of last menstrual period (LMP). Our secondary objective is to determine if FGR resolution is associated with being small for gestational age (SGA) by birth weight.

Associations of chronotype and insomnia with menstrual problems in newly employed nurses at university hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Dysmenorrhea and menstrual cycle changes occur in women working shifts. Circadian rhythm disruption and sleep disturbances associated with shift work leads to health problems. We identified chronotypes and the occurrence of insomnia among newly employed university hospital nurses and investigated the association of these factors with menstrual problems. We conducted pre-placement health examinations for shift workers using self-reported questionnaires between 2018 and 2020. A total of 463 nurses were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, shift work experience, and information on insomnia were collected from health examination data. In addition, details regarding chronotype, dysmenorrhea, irregular and abnormal menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, and contraceptive use were obtained from the questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between chronotype, insomnia, and menstrual problems after controlling for age, body mass index, contraceptive use, amenorrhea, and prior shift work. The prevalence rates of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual cycles were 23.8%, 14.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The risk of dysmenorrhea increased in the evening-type (odds ratio [OR]: 3.209; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.685-6.113) and those with insomnia (OR: 1.871; 95% CI: 1.074-3.261). Additionally, the risk of an irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 2.698; 95% CI: 1.167-6.237) increased in the evening-type, and the risk of a longer menstrual cycle (OR: 4.008; 95% CI: 1.354-11.864) increased in individuals with insomnia. Our findings suggest that dysmenorrhea is promoted in the evening-type and insomnia individuals. There may be an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles among evening-type nurses and an increased risk of longer menstrual cycles among those with insomnia. Therefore, factors such as evening-type and insomnia should be considered for the prevention of menstrual problems in women performing shift work.

Development of an Intrauterine Device Releasing Both Indomethacin and Levonorgestrel During the First Months of Use: Pharmacokinetic Characterization in Healthy Women.

Post-placement menstrual bleeding pattern changes with intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs), including levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS), can be a reason for avoidance or early discontinuation. Prostaglandins play an important role in menstrual bleeding and pain. The key drivers of prostaglandin synthesis are cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we report the findings from pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses undertaken with an LNG-IUS (LNG-IUS8) modified with an additional reservoir containing indomethacin (IND). The IND/LNG-IUS8 is a proof-of-concept device studied in a phase II proof-of-concept/dose-finding study. IND/LNG-IUS8 contains the same LNG content as the unmodified LNG-IUS8 (13.5 mg) but was prepared with three different IND doses (low, 6.5 mg; middle, 12.5 mg; and high, 15.4 mg), resulting in different daily release rates. Overall, 174 healthy, premenopausal women were randomized to one of the four treatment arms (low-, middle-, high-dose IND/LNG-IUS8 or LNG-IUS 8). Initial and residual IND and LNG content were collected and the amount of IND and LNG released in vivo over the period of use was calculated. A subset of 62 participants underwent dense blood sampling for PK analysis. Concentrations of IND and LNG in plasma were determined by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods and plotted over time. Descriptive statistics were calculated for plasma drug concentrations and PK parameters. High-dose IND/LNG-IUS8 initially released much higher levels of IND than expected based on in vitro release data, followed by a steep decline, with the reservoir emptied by 4.5 months. Middle- and low-dose IND/LNG-IUS8 demonstrated steady sustained release of IND over time, emptying after 7.4 and 8.4 months, respectively. Peak plasma concentrations of IND for low- and middle-dose IND/LNG-IUS8 remained below the 20% maximal inhibitory concentration (IC20) values for COX enzymes. The average daily IND release rate in vivo was 49 µg/day for low-dose and 112 µg/day for middle-dose IND/LNG-IUS8. The IND release rate profile and IND plasma concentrations in vitro both decreased steadily over time with low- and middle-dose IND/LNG-IUS8. The LNG release rate profile was comparable for all IND/LNG-IUS8 dose groups and LNG-IUS8. This PK study demonstrates that two different drugs can be released at different rates from an IUS designed with two drug reservoirs. Inclusion of IND does not impact the LNG PK profile. Low- and middle-dose IND/LNG-IUS8 were associated with a systemic IND exposure that should preclude the occurrence of adverse events typically observed after oral IND dosing. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number: NCT03562624.

Effect of COVID-19 Vaccines on Menstrual Cycle Changes and Quality of Life

Effect of COVID-19 Vaccines on Menstrual Cycle Changes and Quality of Life

Effect of COVID-19 vaccine on menstrual experience among females in six Arab countries: A cross sectional study.

There have been varying reports on the potential occurrence and severity of changes to menstruation including the median cycle length, days of bleeding, bleeding heaviness, and menstrual pain, following receipt of COVID-19 vaccinations. We aimed to assess potential postvaccination menstrual changes in women residing in the Middle East. We implemented a cross-sectional online survey-based study. Data about the participants' demographic characteristics, menstruation experience, and vaccination status were collected and analyzed among six Arab countries. Among 4942 menstruating females included in this study, females who had received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccination reported a higher frequency of back pain, nausea, tiredness, pelvic pain with periods, unprescribed analgesics use, and passage of loose stools. They also reported higher scores describing average and worst menstrual pain. Fully vaccinated females reported heavier flow and more days of bleeding. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccine may have an effect on menstruation in terms of menstrual pain and bleeding heaviness. The evidence needs to be further investigated in longitudinal studies.

Effects of Covid Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle: A Novel Study

COVID-19 vaccination is widely regarded as safe. Still, the immune response or the associated stress may link the vaccine with certain temporary menstrual changes. A Total of 100 women met the inclusion criteria. 23 experienced irregular bleeding following the vaccine. The most predominant menstrual changes were more menstrual bleeding (43%), more menstrual pain (41%), delayed menstruation (38%), fewer days of menstrual bleeding (34.5%), and shorter cycle length (32%). Menstrual cycle change following COVID-19 vaccination appears small and temporary and should not discourage individuals from becoming vaccinated. Keywords: Covid vaccination, Menstrual cycle, Abnormal uterine bleeding

A case report of an endometriosis cyst at cesarean scar defect and review of literature

BackgroundCesarean scar defect (CSD) presents as a cystic defect that connects the uterine cavity at the site of the previous cesarean section (CS). Endometriosis refers to the discovery of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Cases of endometriosis cysts at CSD have not been reported.Case presentationIn this article, we will present a patient with an endometriosis cyst at CSD with symptoms of a prolonged menstrual cycle, periods without cyclic abdominal pain, and a history of cesarean delivery. The gynecologic ultrasound showed a CSD and a mixed mass in the right front of the uterus. After about 1 month, the tumor grew from a diameter of 4.75 cm to 8.06 × 6.23 × 3.66 cm. The patient eventually had an operation, which revealed a mass protruding from the incision in the anterior uterine wall, which was attached to the anterior uterine wall by a thin tip with a smooth surface. Intraoperative rapid cytopathology suggested that endometrial glands were seen within the smooth muscle tissue, similar to endometriosis. Subsequently, the patient underwent resection of the endometriotic cyst. Final paraffin pathology showed smooth muscle with visible endometrial glands and old hemorrhage, and a one-year follow-up showed no recurrence of endometriosis cysts at CSD.ConclusionsEndometriosis cysts at CSD are very rare. The clinical symptoms may be less obvious, and the diagnosis relies mainly on the patient’s previous surgical history and imaging. A finding of a pelvic mass in the location of the CSD, with or without symptoms of menstrual changes and intermittent abdominal pain, should be considered an endometriotic cyst at CSD. Surgical treatment is a good choice for this disease. Further studies are needed regarding the etiological mechanism of this case and why the mass enlarged rapidly in one mouth.

Menstrual cycle changes: A cross-sectional study of Saudi females following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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.