The feelings of malaise and pain may kick in just before or at the time you start your period each month. (Prostaglandins are fatty acids that look like hormones that . As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. Changing hormone levels are the likely culprit of period flu symptoms. According to Dr. Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." O'Shea noted that prostaglandins, hormones released before your period starts to help dislodge your uterine lining, can lead to some pretty unpleasant symptoms, too, including "diarrhea,. This article will help you understand the basics of period flu in more detail, including potential causes and what you can do for relief and prevention. In other words, theres no period flu diagnosis you could get from a doctor. Period flu is a slang term for the cluster of flu-like emotions that women can sometimes experience before or during their period. She is the best selling author of Beyond the Pill and Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth. Naturally, if youre trying to get pregnant or have been iffy on your birth control lately, this might be more of a possibility than if youre using an incredibly effective method of birth control or havent had sex lately. 2014;16(1):22-36. doi:10.1111/bdi.12138, Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF, et al. Still, the name fits well for people with flu-like symptoms before their periods. Some women get intense symptoms, while others may experience more mild variations. When menstruation begins, both Dr. Dweck and Dr. Minkin generally see their patients' symptoms dissipate. Even though chills are not listed as a common symptom of PMS, there are still many reports online of individuals who experience chills before their period. I would encourage women who suffer from a whole host of symptoms, including the 'period flu,' PMS, PCOS, and endometriosis, to consider hormonal birth control methods," says Dr. Shirazian. They may run some tests to rule out other medical issues that may be causing these symptoms. If we're talking pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting, then it can be ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and even pregnancy, so it depends on the specific symptoms," explains Dr. Shirazian. "My feeling from a medical standpoint is that this is all part of PMS syndrome, which can have both physical and emotional symptoms," Dr. Dweck says. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, if your symptoms prevent you from going to work/school or carrying out your daily responsibilities, thats the appropriate time to make a doctors appointment. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Keep it simple by examining your sleep environment (too hot or loud?) These symptoms all point to the common flu illnesses you know. The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. Thus, the name. You can treat symptoms at home with hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others. he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. It can also lead to headaches. Before your period, their levels increase and can cause an inflammatory response. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. Finally, its worth considering whether something else may be affecting your health aside from your period or an infectious illnesses. Some people will only note mild intermittent cramping that can feel like throbbing or dull, intermittent pain, says Villarreal. You may feel like your body is fighting off a virus when it isn't. National Library of Medicine. The prostaglandins are the cause of your period flu symptoms. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Premenstrual syndrome and comorbid depression among medical students in the internship stage: a descriptive study. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. The body produces prostaglandins in the areas where injury or illness occurs. "But if your symptoms are alleviated with your period or if they are cyclic in nature, then it's less concerning.". Premenstrual syndrome. Efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reed B.G, Carr B.R. Women who are on birth control don't notice any major changes during their period. Of course, if your period flu significantly impacts your day-to-day routine, and you must miss school or work consistently, it's a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to help you feel better fast. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). Like PMS, the cause of period flu can be chalked up to the bodys response to changing hormone levels. An IUD that goes into the uterus during an office procedure. Consult a healthcare provider if you notice new or changing breast lumps or nipple discharge. The best way to combat the chills includes drinking plenty of water, eating regular nutritious meals, and keeping your body moving with regular exercise. Many women experience nausea before their period begins. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Just a quick refresher on the most common symptoms of COVID-19, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Of course, if youre not sure whats happening with you, Dr. Wider says you should take a COVID-19 test. There are a few potential hacks you can try, according to womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. There are no studies that show your immune system is actually taking a hit. Periods arent gross or shameful. Primary dysmenorrhea is the cramping pain that comes before or during a period. By breaking up blood and fluid in the pelvic region, heat reduces swelling that may compress nerves and cause pelvic pain. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. Prostaglandins are a type of fatty acid, and in women, one of their key roles is to help the uterus shed its lining during menstruation. "Upper-respiratory symptoms don't usually go along with your period. At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. Take antidiarrheal medications. Fun, right? There are ways you can support symptoms. Read on to learn all about what period flu is, what it feels like, how to treat its symptoms, and when you should pay a visit to your doctors office. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. Experiencing mild flu-like symptoms in the run up to your period or even during your period is normal, and most of the time its not necessary to bring it up with your doctor. Another powerful nutrient for hormone balance is diindolylmethane (DIM) which helps with estrogen detoxification. (2018). It is in no way related to influenza; however, it is a real phenomenon and the term period flu is simply used to describe what the symptoms feel like. Try applying scented oils and gently massaging above the pelvic region, around the navel, in a clockwise motion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Period flu isn't something you should have to deal with as part of menstruation. Some. Prostaglandins may cause a low-grade fever. Along with offering treatment options, a healthcare provider may check to make sure there isn't another issue like the flu, chronic fatigue syndrome, or depression. If you don't become pregnant (i.e. They also use medications to block the effects of prostaglandins. Another potential treatment option is taking diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills. Here's a brief reminder of how your menstrual cycle works: Period flu is often categorized as part of PMS because the symptoms can be similar. Lifestyle changes that support your hormones, blood sugar balance, and inflammation can go a long way to helping you feel better. If period flu is a regular thing for you, its more than understandable that youd want to stop symptoms before they even start. Khayat S, Kheirkhah M, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Fanaei H, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. As with PMS, hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others, can reduce and prevent period flu symptoms. Since it's so poorly understood, you may not even know the symptoms you've been experiencing have a name. In fact, more than 90 percent of women most of them in their 30s say that they experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, tender breasts, and headaches, according to the Office on Women's Health. Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. Just practice safety methods while you wait for the results, like wearing a mask when youre around others and social distancing. Period flu is not a legit medical term but it refers to the sick feeling most females get at the time of arrival of periods. Your menstrual cycle. "The other thing that's going on as we get into our periods is that the uterus cranks out a chemical called prostaglandin," says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine. They can help you figure out if you might be experiencing one of the conditions above and prescribe an appropriate treatment. Fortunately, you don't have to live in agony when that time of the month rolls around. Should You Eat Based On Your Menstrual Cycle? I know that just telling you to sleep more isn't helpful if you struggle with insomnia or your sleep patterns are off. The best type of hormonal birth control the pill, ring, patch, or intrauterine device (IUD) for managing period flu depends on your symptoms. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. Select Region. Chemical changes in your brain, such as fluctuations in serotonin and other chemicals related to mood states, may also trigger some PMS symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Unlike the flu, which can leave you sidelined with chills, body aches, a sore throat, and nasal congestion, the period flu is not contagious and unlikely to lead to anything serious. But for some people, that time of the month can include symptoms that feel like an actual illness. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more severe menstrual. Your period could be responsible for causing your fever if you're having one of these symptoms: Headache Sore throat Vomiting or stomach pain What are the symptoms of period flu? Its a bacterial infection that causes flu-like symptoms along with a fever that spikes over 102 F and a rash that looks like a sunburn or red dots on your skin. In your blood sample, they will look at hormones like estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. Some people can develop symptoms such as pelvic cramping, nausea, fatigue and malaise around the time of their period, says Dr. Sarah Villarreal, an OB-GYN at the Womens Health Care Center at UW Medical Center Roosevelt. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the following vitamins and herbal supplements may help to soothe or alleviate symptoms: Before trying a new vitamin or herbal remedy, make sure to speak with your doctor, as they will know whether or not you can take it alongside any existing medications. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women, Prostaglandin E2 that triggers fever is synthesized through an endocannabinoid- dependent pathway, Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level, Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life, Efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Premenstrual syndrome and comorbid depression among medical students in the internship stage: a descriptive study, Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder, Association between generalized anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a diagnostic interviewing study, Gastrointestinal (GI) distress, like constipation and diarrhea, Intolerance of loud noises or bright lights. Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs. We avoid using tertiary references. Use birth control pills. While the exact cause of period flu is still TBD (remember: there's not a lot of research on the topic), the most likely cause is the dramatic drop in hormone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (aka the time between ovulation and your period), says Dr. Shirazian. DOI: Dennerstein L, et al. If you have a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or other symptoms that look like a cold or flu, be sure to take time to rest and talk to your provider. National Library of Medicine. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. This can improve blood flow and give you some relief. For example, you can take a tablet every six hours as needed. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. This blocks the formation of prostaglandins, thus reducing symptoms, but the catch is that you need to take it before things get bad. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. In other words, like traditional PMS, period flu tends to pop up after ovulation and before your period the exact number of days prior to your flow, however, varies from person to person. Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. The effects of these diet and lifestyle changes right before your period can mimic flu like symptoms too. Theyre also designed to cut down prostaglandin production. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Still, some people have flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue before their periods. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. It isnt totally clear what causes it, but hormonal fluctuations likely play a big role. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. In the case of the period flu, prostaglandins are to blame. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Why is my menstrual cycle getting shorter? Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. Dull, continuous ache. This usually happens around 10-16 days before you start your period, depending on your menstrual cycle. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. Already. Vaghela N, Mishra D, Sheth M, Dani VB. Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? Increased fatigue and difficulty sleeping are often associated with fluctuations in progesterone and decreased levels of melatonin during the menstrual cycle. The main reason why you may feel nauseous during your period is due to prostaglandins, which are the driving force behind helping your body shed its uterine lining. Nausea. Period flu symptoms, like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue, can feel a lot like the flu. your wind-down routine (hello screens and cell phones), and anything else that could be interfering. Heres why this symptom occurs and what you can do to find relief. Weakness. Ovulation can also increase your core body temperature (basal body temperature) for a couple of days. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. Prostaglandins. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. A turmeric supplement, such as Garden of Life's MyKind Organics, Extra Strength Turmeric (Available at Walmart) after first okay-ing it with your doctor or pain medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help ease cramps and lower back pain, adds Dr. Shirazian. What Is Period Flu? Learn how you can get a fluctuating, We reached out to a doctor and a bunch of people with uteruses to get the lowdown on what its like to have a period from puberty through menopause. If you track your period and tend to know when its about to start, consider taking a Motrin the day before. Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level. For example, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can work wonders for managing pain and inflammation around the time of your period. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. These pills are designed to ease bloating and reduce the build-up of fluid in your body, which are symptoms that many individuals struggle with around their period. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. While lifestyle changes and home treatment can usually help, talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life. Period flu can be referred to the situation when prostaglandins or the fatty acid compounds responsible for dislodging the uterine wall and starting period, get into the bloodstream and begin affecting the intestine, causing flu . This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. o compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome. Continue for about 15 minutes. And while you may feel feverish, if you have an actual temperature of 101 or 102, thats not period fluthats something else, Dr. Dweck says. Gunaydin C, Bilge SS. If the contractions are too strong that they may press up against surrounding blood vessels and cut off some of the oxygen supply. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. A study published in 2016 found that prostaglandins can affect neurons in the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates your body temperature. And if you experience intense pain during your period, you may have dysmenorrhea. (2018). Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile tea may also help. Dont smoke, and limit how often you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these may trigger some of the symptoms. They are also used by the body to fight infections, and play a role in symptoms like fever. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. Lastly, healthcare providers may take a blood sample to test for other possible health conditions with similar symptoms. Fernndez MDM, Saulyte J, Inskip HM. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is another condition associated with periods and PMS, but its main feature is changes in mood. Blomqvist A, Engblom D. Neural Mechanisms of Inflammation-Induced Fever. Period flu symptoms run the gamut of PMS ailments and include: It's important to note, though, that common period flu symptoms don't include a fever, sore throat, and congestion signs that indicate you might truly be suffering from a cold or the flu virus. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. Still, it can be hard to accurately describe reproductive pain to other people, especially when no two people experience pain the same way. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You can take steps throughout your menstrual cycle to reduce the severity of period flu symptoms, like: In general, conditions comorbid with PMS may link to the period flu. It can also lead to headaches. Villarreal notes that some people have more of a response to these inflammatory signals, such as the prostaglandins, that are released before and during their period. This includes feelings of extreme fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and digestive issues. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. The heat helps with blood circulation and reduces fluid retention. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Dr. Dweck also points out that often times women with pre-existing conditions, like autoimmune issues or rheumatoid arthritis, will even experience exacerbation or a flare-up of their symptoms just before their periodand then things get better after they menstruate. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. Ultimately, the period flu can be miserable. If you regularly have flu-like symptoms around the time of your period and its affecting your quality of life, check in with your OB/GYN, a doctor who specializes in womens health, or your primary care doctor. The best way to understand how long the symptoms last for you is to keep track of your symptoms. If your symptoms are very bad, you may take NSAIDs and birth control pills together. Keep in mind that not every medicine is explicitly approved for that purpose. We use cookie to improve your experience. Some people feel pain thats more sharp.. Read on to learn more about why you might feel like you have the flu before or during you period and what symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor. These results were from a small study, and the women took the supplements for three cycles. For example, cutting back on sodium can help to relieve bloating, while eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help to boost your energy levels and improve digestion.
