Assessment of Transient Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Patterns Post-COVID-19 Vaccination

Background: In light of emerging global reports linking COVID-19 vaccination with menstrual disturbances, this study aimed to assess transient alterations in menstrual bleeding patterns following vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS), Islamabad, from February 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. A total of 1150 females were recruited using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique at the time of their COVID-19 vaccination. Women aged 18-40 years reporting post-vaccination menstrual changes were included. Exclusion criteria involved pre-existing menstrual irregularities (within the past three months), use of hormonal contraceptives, known pelvic pathologies, or age outside the defined range. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The Chi-square test was used to determine associations, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 1150 participants, 80 reported no menstrual changes, while 1070 experienced alterations. Of these, 805 (75%) had menorrhagia, 524 (65%) reported increased bleeding volume, and 281 (35%) had prolonged duration. Oligomenorrhea was seen in 265 (25%) participants; 159 (60%) reported decreased bleeding, while 106 (40%) experienced lengthened cycles. On follow-up, 58 cases of menorrhagia were evaluated; 18 were treated with MIRENA, and 10 underwent hysterectomy. Among the oligomenorrhea group, 22 were advised six-month follow-up. Conclusion: The study highlights those menstrual irregularities post-COVID-19 vaccination were common but mostly transient. However, a subset of individuals exhibited persistent symptoms requiring clinical intervention.