Does the Covid vaccine impact periods?
4,000 UK woman have reported period changes after their vaccine (Picture: Getty)  Almost 4,000 UK women have reported changes to their period patterns after receiving a coronavirus vaccine. Metro.co.uk spoke to a leading gynaecologist to find out more. Theres no official research or links between Covid-19 vaccines and menstrual cycles. In the latest weekly report on vaccine-adverse reactions, the MHRA published information on reports of menstrual disorders following the vaccine. There is no official link between Covid jabs and periods (Picture: Getty)  The MHRA said it received reports ranging from heavier-than-usual periods to delayed periods and unexpected vaginal bleeding. The reports have been reviewed by independent experts at the commission on Human Medicines Covid-19 Vaccines Benefit Risk Expert Working Group, as well as members of the Medicines for Womens Health Expert Advisory Group. However, the MHRA concluded: The current evidence does not suggest an increased risk of either menstrual disorders or unexpected vaginal bleeding following the vaccines.  It added: The number of reports of menstrual disorders and vaginal bleeding is low in relation to both the number of females who have received Covid-19 vaccines to date and how common menstrual disorders are generally. The MHRA will continue to closely monitor reports of menstrual disorders and vaginal bleeding with Covid-19 vaccines.  Despite this conclusion and the lack of evidence, many people are still convinced that their cycles have been impacted by the vaccine. Metro.co.uk spoke with Dr Pat OBrien, a Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at University College London Hospitals and Vice President for membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG), to find out why so many people are noticing a link between the jab and their periods. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video  Dr OBrien explained: So many people are having the vaccines right now that we have to be open to the possibility that these things will coincide from time to time. Dont panic  keep mindful of the fact that these things can happen from time to time by chance.  Its a really common thing. And, very often, after a month or two things go back to normal. Sometimes we find the reason, sometimes we dont.  OBrien added: When we do find a cause, it is often something simple like a change in weight, stress, change in exercise, or even long-haul flights. There are lots of things like that that we know can impact periods. Theyre really delicate.  It is important to note that over 43 million people in the UK have received a vaccine, with many of them being people who experience periods. Dr OBrien explained: In context, even you accept that 4,000 people have had their periods impacted by the vaccine, it doesnt by any means represent everybody.  However, it is possible that more people have experienced similar side effects, but have not reported them. It is important that anyone who suspects a reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine should report it through the MHRAs yellow card scheme. It helps to identify trends and side effects that may be associated with the vaccine. The more people come forward with their period disturbances, the more chance there is of finding out if there is a link between cycles and jabs. RCOG confirmed that some women had reported heavier periods after receiving vaccines and added that it would support more data collection in this area to understand why this might be the case. You should report any reactions on the MHRAs yellow card scheme (Picture: Getty)  Although there is not yet evidence to support a link, many healthcare specialists do believe that vaccines can disturb periods. Womens healthcare specialist Dr Nighat Arif shared a video on TikTok and Twitter explaining why jabs may have an impact on your period. Dr Arif said: Now, think about it: When we give you the Covid-19 vaccine, it triggers the immune response. That immune response for some people can mean a headache, a temperature, aches and pains, and just generally feeling unwell. We do also know that the immune system sits around the lining of the womb so, therefore, for some women, it is completely logical that it will affect their periods. You might get a missed period, a prolonged period, or a heavy period. Lots of things impact our cycles.  However, she stressed that this change should not be long-lasting and does not effect fertility. Yes- I have done a TikTok answering the query around vaccines affecting periods. Although your period may not be linked to the Covid-19 vaccine, it is still important to get menstrual changes checked out by your doctor. You should visit the GP if any of the following occurs:  Bleeding that requires more than one tampon or sanitary pad in an hour, for several hours in a row  Bleeding after sex  Bleeding after menstruation  Severe pain  OBrien said even just one really painful period should be enough to trigger a visit to the doctor  Abnormal discharge or colour  Irregular periods lasting over two or three months  Dr OBrien said: The bottom line advice should be this: If youre worried, please see a doctor. Also if this change persists for a month or two. Particularly if you get new bleeding after menopause  that should never be taken for granted.  MORE : More than 90% of people in hospital with Delta variant havent had two vaccines  MORE : First and second Covid vaccine dose side effects explained and when to seek help  Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  Share your views in the comments below