# Mechanisms of actions(s) of simvastatin in uterine leiomyoma

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $300,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Regular menstruation is considered an indicator of whole-body health, and subtle changes in health can lead to
noticeable fluctuations in the regular cycle. The large roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine was accompanied by
anecdotal evidence that suggested that those who menstruate experienced changes in the menstrual cycle with
some reporting unexpected spotting or heavier and/or longer cycles. Unfortunately, the initial clinical trials for
the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines did not follow up on possible menstrual cycle
changes.
The first aim of our project is to assess the clinical effects of the COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual
cycle using data from participants in our ongoing clinical trial who document their menstrual cycle using a
menstrual diary. We will expand recruitment through a national, digital campaign: www.covidmenses.org. Data
reported in the popular Period-Tracking App “Clue” will also be used to assess the clinical effects. The second
aim will focus on the mechanisms of COVID-19 vaccines' effects on the menstrual cycle through assessing
endometrial changes associated with vaccination. This will be done by comparing the immune cell profile at the
level of the endometrium before and after vaccination as well as evaluating the expression of cytokines,
chemokines and extracellular degradation mediators.
The successful completion of this project will provide evidence on the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on
menstrual health. This can reduce vaccine anxiety and hesitancy among those who menstruate.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10432433
- **Project number:** 3R01HD094380-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mostafa A. Borahay
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $300,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10432433

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10432433, Mechanisms of actions(s) of simvastatin in uterine leiomyoma (3R01HD094380-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10432433. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*