In other words, theres no period flu diagnosis you could get from a doctor. They're fatty acids that collect in the uterus and help shed its lining during your period. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Flu Like Symptoms Before Period - Medical Treasure Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. If you're feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal. In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. Aleve, Motrin, Advil) regularly about two days before your period starts to help ease prostaglandin-causing pain symptoms, provided you don't have any contraindications, recommends Dr. Greves. "This drop in the hormone LH and progesterone causes some women to feel a whole host of symptoms," says Dr. Shirazian. If the egg has been fertilized and. Learn how to limit the bloating and gas that precede and accompany your period. The best way to approach it is to keep track of your symptoms by using a period tracking app or even a journal, and if any new ones pop up or if something feels off, reach out to your doctor. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. Thankfully, there are options to help. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs. However, an overproduction of prostaglandins exacerbates the body's inflammatory response, explains Dr. Gersh, and that's not great when it comes to PMS. Treatments That May Provide Relief From Period Flu, The Birth Control Side Effects to Know for Each Type of Contraceptive, 6 Things to Know About Working Out On Your Period, Outsmart Your Hormones All Month Long Plus 9 Surprising Things Making Your PMS Worse, How to Delay Your Period Safely, According to Ob-gyns. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, et al. In:StatPearls. You might have spotting before your period due to changes in medication, pregnancy, infection, or another underlying condition. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. She is the best selling author of Beyond the Pill and Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth. Lastly, healthcare providers may take a blood sample to test for other possible health conditions with similar symptoms. See additional information. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. Prostaglandins - Reproduction, Inflammation & Other Conditions As the name indicates, period flu symptoms mimic the real flu but are tied into your menstrual cycle and aren't contagious. They can also help to rule out the possibility that something else might be going on, like an actual infectious illness. "So that precipitous decline, particularly in estrogen, is what causes a lot of the symptoms.". Consult a healthcare provider if you notice new or changing breast lumps or nipple discharge. Feeling queasy and fatigued as you wait for your period to turn up could set off alarm bells and have you running to the drugstore for a pregnancy test. Period Flu: Why You Feel So Bad Before Your Period - Healthline First of all, if your symptoms are severe, talk toa professional, such as your gynecologist. What is period flu? Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. Some. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. There are no studies that show your immune system is actually taking a hit. Fernndez MDM, Saulyte J, Inskip HM. 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 also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. 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. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. 2021;18(15):7832. doi:10.3390/ijerph18157832. As a matter of fact, many studies of menstrual cycles demonstrate that those who have higher levels of prostaglandins during menstruation for those with intense period pain. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods | ACOG So lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk, do some yoga, or lift some heavy weights whatever works for you. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. If you struggle to control pain and inflammation, it may also be worth following an anti-inflammatory diet in the days or weeks leading up to your period. At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of the public. Although there's no cure, you can treat symptoms at home. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. Perimenopause can happen years before your period stops, and it can include hot flashes, mood swings, and heavier, lighter, or irregular periods. There's no cure for the period flu. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. It's also important to mention that the more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), can also share some of the same symptoms. The period flu isnt a legit medical term, but it sure does sum up how crummy some people feel during their period. Period flu is . 5 Some people may describe their period flu symptoms as in line with the "stomach flu," which is not a real diagnosis but an informal. Still, the name fits well for people with flu-like symptoms before their periods. Period Flu: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments - Forbes Health Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome. Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. Period flu symptoms are similar to PMS and start after ovulation and before your period. PMS is pretty common, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. And period flu's symptoms (many of which are the same as those of PMS) normally ease off a few days after your period starts, says Christine Greves, M.D., board-certified ob-gyn at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. 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. Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor, covering health, parenting, and wellness. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? They are also used by the body to fight infections, and play a role in symptoms like fever. The best way to understand how long the symptoms last for you is to keep track of your symptoms. Dr. Graves recommends eating plenty of inflammation-fighting foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to help fight the pain associated with the increased levels of prostaglandins. Nausea can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This usually happens around 10-16 days before you start your period, depending on your menstrual cycle. As with PMS, hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others, can reduce and prevent period flu symptoms. Headaches. 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. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. Period Flu - What You Need to Know - Dr. Jolene Brighten Instead, the goal is to treat your symptoms. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z, Lpez-Liria R, Torres-lamo L, Vega-Ramrez FA, et al. While many reach for an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (and no judgment here if that's what helps you get through, but they do have side effects, especially if used longer-term), the following are more natural options that can help: Try to include nutrient-dense foods like lots of leafy greens, berries, olive oil, nuts, and seeds which can help bring inflammation down (and keep you regular if you are feeling bloated or constipated. While "period flu" is not a formal medical term or diagnosis, Alyssa Dweck, MD, a practicing gynecologist in Westchester County, New York and host of the podcast Business of the V, knows exactly what I'm talking about. Once your period starts, dysmenorrheacan cause headaches, diarrhea and a general feeling of malaise. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. While there are some over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, those might not touch your pain if youre struggling with severe symptoms. 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. 2020;17(3):988. doi:10.3390/ijerph17030988. 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. The period flu is obviously not caused by a virus, but some of the symptoms can mimic COVID-19, including fatigue, lethargy, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset or changes in bowel habits, she says. This includes feelings of extreme fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and digestive issues. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. 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. Is there a cure for period flu? 2014;14:14. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-14, Conti B. Prostaglandin E2 that triggers fever is synthesized through an endocannabinoid- dependent pathway. Symptoms, Causes And Treatments. But have you ever heard of period flu? Women typically get a few signs that their period is about to start. There are several treatments for the period flu and general PMS symptoms, including medications, herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and heat. While you might know that inflammation isn't great for your overall health, it's also critical to get it under control if you are experiencing period flu or PMS. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. Your body also produces prostaglandin in the lining of your uterus when you start your period. 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. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones. Reed B.G, Carr B.R. "So it does make you wonder, [even though] it's not in the literature, if theres some sort of immune hit that occurs just before your period bringing these flu-like symptoms to life," Dr. Dweck notes. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. KEEPING IT REAL, WHILE KEEPING YOU EDUCATED. 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. Because it's not well studied, it's hard to say how, if at all, period flu differs from PMS or even other period-related conditions such as premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), says Dr. Greves. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. 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. However, if the "period flu" is affecting your quality of life (think: staying home from work, forcing you to miss out on social activities), there's absolutely no reason to continue living with it. So the thinking is that when progesterone fluctuates, so do the levels of serotonin, which can potentially lead to, for example, the increased feelings of fatigue that come with period flu. What Is the Period Flu? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment - POPSUGAR Fitness Period Flu: Signs, Causes, and Treatment - Oli And Alex Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The main thing to recognize is that these symptoms occur at the same time every month and improve or disappear once your period comes. 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. One word: hormones. Cleveland Clinic: Dysmenorrhea, Can Tracking Your Basal Body Temperature Help You Conceive?, Columbia University: I keep getting a fever with my period., NHS: Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle., University Park OBGYN: Can You Get a Fever During Your Period?, UpToDate: Patient education: Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea) (Beyond the Basics)., Chemistry Libretexts: Prostaglandins.. Dont smoke, and limit how often you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these may trigger some of the symptoms. The prostaglandins cause an inflammatory response in the body and this is why people feel flu-like." But what does that mean? They can help you figure out if you might be experiencing one of the conditions above and prescribe an appropriate treatment. 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. 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. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. Although the "period flu" isn't an official medical diagnosis (and it's not related to influenza, the virus), many menstruators experience an onslaught of malaise-type symptoms, including fatigue, body aches, and headaches around the middle of their cycle, says Taraneh Shirazian, M.D., board-certified ob-gyn at NYU Langone Health. OTC drugs may clear up diarrhea or nausea. By breaking up blood and fluid in the pelvic region, heat reduces swelling that may compress nerves and cause pelvic pain. "In the mid-portion of your cycle when you ovulate, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to surge, and they decline when you do not get pregnant and get your period," Dr. Dweck explains. No single medicine or lifestyle change can end the period flu. These molecules bind with receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls your bodys temperature. 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. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Thus, the name. 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. 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. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. Premenstrual syndrome and comorbid depression among medical students in the internship stage: a descriptive study. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. Finally, its worth considering whether something else may be affecting your health aside from your period or an infectious illnesses. This starter pack is exactly what every woman needs to bring her hormones back into balance! Period Flu | Causes | Symptoms | Ways to Get Relief From Period Flu 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. . Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can cause a whole bunch of period symptoms, like cramps, period poop, and farts dont pretend you dont know what Im talking about. 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. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. BMC Womens Health. Symptoms of menstrual cramps include: Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Premenstrual Syndrome: Treatment for PMS. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. "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. Prostaglandins: Functions and Purpose - Healthgrades Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. This shift is part of why you have PMS, so it makes sense that it would also be a cause for period flu. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In sum, the cause of period flu is likely a combination of the following factors: Hormonal fluctuations, specifically the drop in progesterone. For others, you might find yourself glued to your bed, daydreaming you were one of those happy, skipping people in those commercials for period products. Ever feel like youre coming down with the flu, only to find out that its actually your period? Luckily, "period flu" is a lot easier to treat than the real one. Severe pain and sickness before and during your period come in a couple of different flavors. 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. Both could be considered in addition to the above supplements to address hormone balance to help with period flu. This could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. High levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps, and can also cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. But if it happens regularly around your period, its likely what experts often refer to as the period flu.. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. "Upper-respiratory symptoms don't usually go along with your period. You should also speak with your doctor immediately if you are struggling with mood-related symptoms around the time of your period, such as extreme mood swings, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or thoughts of suicide. National Library of Medicine. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus sheds when the uterine muscles tighten. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start . Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level. Some women with underlying conditions, like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can experience more pronounced PMS symptoms than others, but they're not specific to the 'period flu,'" explains Dr. Shirazian. Heres why this symptom occurs and what you can do to find relief. 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. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. These flu-like feelings are similar to or overlap with a group of symptoms doctor call dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Usually, prostaglandin-related menstrual pain is worse when the. Its best to check with your doctor to see if any of your symptoms match up. Every body and every person is different, Villarreal says. So what's the difference between PMS and period flu, exactly? Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Diarrhea During Period and Before Period: How to Manage It - Healthline Many doctors consider period flu as an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) due to the severity of its symptoms. What Is Period Flu? Here's Why You Might Feel Sick Right - Bustle These are hormones that help the cervix to open, but they can also cause movement in. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. For those with these intense symptoms, it can be hard to believe some people dont have moments of gripping pain associated with their cycle.