Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Multiple studies have identified an association between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disturbances. Data on whether menstrual health is impacted by other vaccines are needed to counsel individuals about what to expect and to address vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of changes in length of the menstrual cycle with influenza vaccination, with or without concurrent receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This global retrospective cohort study prospectively collected menstrual cycle data from April 25, 2023, to February 27, 2024 (4-5 cycles per individual), among international English-speaking users of a digital birth control application. Participants included individuals aged 18 to 45 years, not using hormonal contraception, and with average cycle lengths of 24 to 38 days in 3 consecutive cycles before receipt of vaccines. EXPOSURE: Seasonal influenza vaccination with or without concurrent receipt of COVID-19 vaccine. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: The primary outcome consisted of adjusted mean within-individual changes of menstrual cycle length assessed by vaccination group. Secondary analysis evaluated the phase of menstrual cycle at time of vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 1501 individuals met the inclusion criteria, of whom 791 were vaccinated for influenza only and 710 were concurrently vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19. By race and ethnicity, 1 participant (0.1%) was American Indian or Alaska Native; 10 (0.7%), Asian; 3 (0.2%), Black; 15 (1.0%), Hispanic or Latina; 1 (0.1%), Middle Eastern or North African; 368 (24.5%), White; and 19 (1.3%), other; and 1084 (72.2%), missing. Most of the cohort was younger than 35 years (1230 [82.0%]), had at least a college degree (1122 [74.8%]), and was located in the US or Canada (938 [62.5%]). Individuals vaccinated for influenza alone experienced an adjusted mean increase of 0.40 (95% CI, 0.08-0.72) days, while those vaccinated concurrently for influenza and COVID-19 experienced a mean increase of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.16-0.83) days (P = .69 for difference between vaccine groups). A total of 37 individuals (4.7%) experienced a change in cycle length of at least 8 days with influenza vaccine only and 42 (5.9%) with concurrent receipt of both vaccines (P = .28). In the postvaccination cycle, both vaccination groups returned to their prevaccination cycle lengths. Menstrual cycle changes occurred with vaccination in the follicular phase but not the luteal phase. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of individuals with regular menstrual cycles, influenza vaccine given alone or in combination with a COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a small but temporary change in menstrual cycle length. These findings may help clinicians confirm the utility of vaccination for patients with concerns about menstrual adverse effects of vaccination.