COVID-19 Vaccines and Increased Risk of Vaginal Bleeding: An Ancient Therapy for Relief

Recent research has revealed that many women experience menstrual irregularities after vaccination.

A recent study published on Sept. 22, 2023, indicated that postmenopausal women face a two- to threefold increase in the risk of vaginal bleeding following COVID-19 vaccination. Freepik

The side effects of COVID-19 vaccines have garnered significant public attention. Recent research has revealed that many women experience menstrual irregularities after vaccination, and postmenopausal women may even face an increased risk of vaginal bleeding, which could indicate precancerous lesions or early-stage endometrial cancer.

Wei-Ling Chou, a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, explained that when vaccines trigger an immune response, those with robust immune systems can quickly alleviate symptoms, while individuals with weaker immunity may experience more severe symptoms. In such cases, complementary TCM or acupuncture can aid in regulating the body, maintaining immune balance, and providing relief.

Unexpected Vaginal Bleeding in Postmenopausal Women

On Sept. 22, Science Advances published a study in which a research team observed the conditions of 21,925 menopausal or perimenopausal women in Norway following their COVID-19 vaccinations. About half of the participants reported experiencing vaginal bleeding within four weeks of receiving either the first or second vaccine dose.

The researchers found that postmenopausal women faced a two- to threefold increase in the risk of vaginal bleeding in the four weeks following vaccination compared to before vaccination. Women in the perimenopausal phase, which refers to the period close to menopause and up to one year after, experienced a three- to fivefold increase in their risk of vaginal bleeding after receiving the vaccine.

Among premenopausal women, those who received the Moderna vaccine had a 32 percent higher risk of experiencing vaginal bleeding than those who received the Pfizer vaccine.

Additionally, two large-scale studies conducted in the United States and Sweden using health record systems found that the risk of postmenopausal bleeding increased by 21 and 14 percent, respectively, compared to before vaccination.

The research suggested that this may be related to the COVID-19 virus spike protein used in the vaccine.

Postmenopausal bleeding is typically considered a serious medical concern, potentially an early sign of diseases like endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions. “The cause of bleeding after vaccination is still unclear, but if it is confirmed as a known side effect of the vaccine, doctors can take this into account when evaluating a patient’s condition,” Kate Clancy, a biological anthropologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, told Nature.

Vaccines can also lead to extended menstrual periods. According to a study published in BMJ Medicine, COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with an increase in menstrual cycle length. The research analyzed 19,622 individuals (with an average age of 30), including 14,936 who received the vaccine and 4,686 who did not. The results showed that individuals who received the first and second doses of the vaccine experienced an increase in their menstrual cycle length of less than one day, but those who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within a month saw an extension of 3.7 days in their menstrual periods.

The researchers also observed a significant increase in the proportion of individuals who experienced an increase in cycle length of more than eight days, with 13.5 percent among those who received the vaccine and 5 percent among those who did not.

Effectiveness of Ancient Treatment for Menstrual Irregularities

Ms. Liao, a 35-year-old woman from Taiwan, received her third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in mid-January. Shortly after, her menstruation became abnormal, lasting approximately two weeks, followed by another episode of heavy bleeding lasting two to three days. Furthermore, she had two menstrual cycles within a month. After undergoing a Western medical examination, which revealed no pathological changes, she experienced another episode of heavy bleeding approximately a week later. This prompted her to seek TCM assistance.

Ms. Chou noted that Ms. Liao had regular menstrual cycles with normal blood flow before the vaccine. Ms. Chou prescribed Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (containing Ramulus Cinnamomi and Poria) combined with heat-clearing and blood-cooling herbs to clear the residual heat from the patient’s body. After that, Ms. Liao’s menstrual cycles returned to normal.

Ms. Chou explained that after the vaccine enters the body, it triggers an immune response, which may target the uterus in women, leading to the retention of “pathogenic heat” (internal heat within the body). This can result in symptoms like breakthrough bleeding. From a TCM perspective, it is seen as a struggle between good (the body’s natural immunity) and evil (pathogenic factors). If the body’s immunity is strong enough, symptoms will resolve quickly. Otherwise, more pronounced symptoms may occur.

Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.