![]() In fact, a recent study showed the extent of the disparity with 70% of the research conducted involving male-only studies, and only 11% involving females. Thus far, studies examining the main receptor that SARS-CoV-2 binds to in order to enter cells, and infect the body, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been predominantly conducted in males. The disparity in women’s health research is no exception in COVID-19 literature. Women’s health includes studies that would examine how hormonal contraceptives influence mood, or how menopause influences memory in middle age or – you guessed it – how vaccines affect the menstrual cycle or even whether there is a time during your menstrual cycle that the vaccine could cause the fewest side effects. Male-only studies make up approximately 40% of the total studies, although the total number varies by discipline. Studies looking at females alone make up only about 6% of the literature. Unfortunately, given the dearth of research into women’s health, it is not altogether surprising that we do not have this information at the ready. So, short of an actual study to show that there is any effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on menstrual cycles, what can we infer? Yet, to date, there have been no systemic studies to examine whether the COVID-19 vaccine – or other factors – are causing these irregularities. In fact, most of these concerns have been reported through social media and voluntary self-report on databases such as the United States’ Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database. Valid, as these questions are, we have few answers as there has been very little to no research in this area. ![]() ![]() There is a growing concern that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing disruptions to menstrual cycles and questions as to why the vaccine may have this effect have been raised by women awaiting their vaccines. That is exactly the same with menstrual irregularities.” (Gunter, 2021). “Imagine if you didn’t know that fever could be a vaccine side effect? You might be concerned that something untoward was happening to your body when all you were experiencing was a typical post vaccine fever. Authors: Romina Garcia de Leon, Neuroscience MSc student, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Jennifer Richard, PhD, Department of Psychology, UBC Liisa Galea, PhD, WHRC Lead | Editors: Alex Lukey and Arrthy Thayaparan (Blog Coordinators)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |