You are reeling under the impact of too much information from the University of WhatsApp. There are blogs galore circling the dreadful spin-off of the jab and the impact on the monthly flow, myths buffeting around thick and fast about the odds of intensifying your menses if you take the vaccine. Here’s a peep into the making of facts and fiction…
ZERO IMPACT
Says Dr. Amodita Ahuja, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, laparoscopic surgeon and infertility specialist, “Fear the virus not the vaccine. There is no study done till now to evaluate the effect of the vaccine on the menstrual cycle. Nothing scientific has been proven till now. There are various factors which can contribute to heavy flow and excessive cramps during your period if it happens after the vaccination. Factors like stress and anxiety due to the worsening global situation of the pandemic, lack of sound sleep, exhaustion… are confounding factors during the present uncommon situation. It is absolutely false to say that immunity drops during the period as there is no scientific evidence suggestive of this. Immunization is being done to boost up your immunity instead in fighting the virus. You can take the vaccine anytime irrespective of your period.”
The presence of pre existing underlying conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, obesity…in cases, might add up to an impact. What about women on the brink of menopause? Explains Dr. Vaishali Joshi, senior obstetrician and gynecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, “Most of the menopausal women are more than 50 years of age and are considered high risk for Covid-19 infection. This is mostly due to age related comorbidities. Even menopause is not an independent risk factor if the woman is healthy and fit.”
When any vaccine is injected into the body, there is the possibility of an inflammatory response, in the form of localised pain at the point where it was administered, body ache, muscle pain, lethargy, chills, mild grade fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness and giddiness. The effect differs from person to person, in keeping with the individual immune response and health matrix. There are those who course through without any discomfort.Says Dr Joshi, “ If you are experiencing body ache post vaccination, drinking plenty of fluids , a hot water bag or simple paracetamol will be helpful.
YOUR HEALTH MATRIX
“You need to understand that our mental health does have an effect on our hormones and menstrual cycle as the supreme centers which control the hormonal balance are in the brain. The pandemic has forced women to be housebound and hence outdoor physical exercises have been restricted. This has led to weight gain, triggering the hormonal imbalance. The best way to address this is to try indoor exercises, yoga, pilates which are available on-line. Weight bearing exercises keep bones strong and prevent thinning of bones in menopausal women. Healthy diet helps to maintain a good body mass Index and prevents diabetes, lipid problems in pre- and post menopausal age,” explains Dr Joshi
Shilpi Madan for Sunday Herald