Menstrual Changes and Vaccines: A Common Phenomenon
If you’ve noticed changes in your menstrual cycle after receiving the Covid vaccine, you’re not alone. Approximately 43% of women have experienced similar alterations. This data is highlighted in the book ‘The half that bleeds’, written by María Zuil and Antonio Vila-real, which explores the ignorance and lack of attention that menstruation has historically received.
The Rise of a Rumor: Side Effects of the Vaccine
Since the start of the vaccination in women aged 40-49 in June 2021, concerns have emerged about the intensification of menstrual periods. According to the book, many women have reported drastic changes, such as cycles that have gone from 35-45 days to 28, accompanied by an increase in menstrual pain. This situation has generated a discernible pattern, albeit without a clear explanation initially.
A Scarce Scientific Answer
The authors of the book report that, at first, the scientific community was skeptical of these complaints. Dr Victoria Male, from Imperial College, said that without specific studies, it was difficult to determine whether the changes were normal variation or linked to the vaccination.
Communication and Understanding: A Challenge for Women
The book also highlights the difficulties many women have encountered in communicating their side effects to doctors. Many professionals did not recognize the alterations, creating an atmosphere of confusion and frustration. However, the phase of the menstrual cycle in which the vaccine was received was found to significantly influence the results.
The Influence of the Time of Vaccination
According to research published in ‘Lancet’, women vaccinated before ovulation could experience more noticeable alterations in their cycles, due to the activation of cytokines, which affect the immune response and hormone levels. These alterations were documented in the survey carried out by the authors, which revealed that 42.5% of the participants noticed more regular cycles after the vaccination.
Reflections on Women’s Health
These findings open a crucial debate about women’s health and the need to recognize and further investigate the side effects of vaccines. As knowledge about menstrual health advances, it becomes clear that science needs to pay more attention to women’s experiences, to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
