Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. In:StatPearls. 2016;3(1):25-27. doi:10.1080/23328940.2015.1130520. In one online discussion of period flu, a person said that their symptoms turned out to be due to an allergy to acetaminophen (Tylenol), a common painkiller people often take to ease period symptoms. 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. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start of your period. 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. No single medicine or lifestyle change can end the period flu. Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. Like PMS, period flu symptoms can look different for everyone. So its not surprising that an oncoming period would feel similar to an illness. PMS, as its usually known, is the collection of physical and emotional annoyances that can occur shortly before your period is due. These contractions help expel the uterus lining. Period flu symptoms, like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue, can feel a lot like the flu. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. You can then share this information with your doctor and they can provide further guidance. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. You might have spotting before your period due to changes in medication, pregnancy, infection, or another underlying condition. Here are some ways you can find relief for your period flu symptoms. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010. Treatments for Period Flu. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Both could be considered in addition to the above supplements to address hormone balance to help with period flu. Remember too, sometimes it is just the flu. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Your hormones shift dramatically between ovulation and your period, as you saw above. When this happens, your body temperature goes up. Period flu can feel a lot like the common cold or influenza. 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. When estrogen and progesterone levels shift in the second half of your cycle, you can feel more tired and not sleep as well. As a licensed naturopathic physician who is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology, she takes an integrative approach in her clinical practice. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. They can also help to rule out the possibility that something else might be going on, like an actual infectious illness. At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. Period Flu: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | YourTango Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows in places other than the uterus. They're fatty acids that collect in the uterus and help shed its lining during your period. The pain may range from mild to severe, but it usually goes away with 1-3 days. "Some warm compresses can also help with back pain," she adds. There are other hormones at play, of course. Loose stools. Many doctors consider period flu as an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) due to the severity of its symptoms. Research on the impact of certain foods and nutrients on PMS symptoms suggests a healthy diet primarily consisting of unprocessed foods is one of the best ways to ward off uncomfortable period-related conditions. Read our, 6 Self-Care Habits That Ease PMS Symptoms, Eat These 5 Foods To Ease Your PMS Symptoms, Here's How PMS Can Change In Your 20s, 30s, 40s. Your estrogen and progesterone levels are dropping at the same time, and there are a variety of theories about what exactly causes the worst period flu symptoms. They may run some tests to rule out other medical issues that may be causing these symptoms. For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. Get the real-time accuracy Mira has to offer and reach your fertility goals. A study on women with PMS found that those who took curcumin twice a day for the week before their period and three days after had less severe symptoms. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. They can do a proper workup and help you feel A-okay when your period comes your way. In fact, one study found that just 8 weeks of regular exercise could help to reduce symptoms of PMS. With a few lifestyle changes to address inflammation and hormone balance, you can take charge of your health and feel like yourself again. Prostaglandins: What They Are and Their Role in the Body - Healthline In your blood sample, they will look at hormones like estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol. When the premenstrual syndrome symptoms become worse, it may feel as though one is actually sick. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea. One of the best ways to get some relief from period flu is by taking over-the-counter painkillers. Another powerful nutrient for hormone balance is diindolylmethane (DIM) which helps with estrogen detoxification. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. How Prostaglandins Cause Painful Periods + What to Do About It Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News. Above all, be gentle with yourself. Symptoms, Causes And Treatments. Tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, and back pain are just a few of the overlapping symptoms, she says. Read More You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? Everyone has heard of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the constellation of physical and mental symptoms that happens when you are about to get your period. Lifestyle changes that support your hormones, blood sugar balance, and inflammation can go a long way to helping you feel better. Keep it simple by examining your sleep environment (too hot or loud?) You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. This could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. Your immune system activates antibodies and other chemicals like prostaglandin to destroy the virus or bacteria. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that trigger the uterine muscles to contract. Some people may describe their period flu symptoms as in line with the "stomach flu," which is not a real diagnosis but an informal term for gastroenteritis. 2023 Mira, Powered by Quanovate | All Rights Reserved. In turn, those products may relieve period flu symptoms. Dont smoke, and limit how often you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these may trigger some of the symptoms. The causes aren't certain, but since symptoms coincide with cycle timing, the most likely explanation is hormone fluctuations. Still, keep in mind that the research on whether those methods work is inconclusive. There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. BMC Womens Health. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. 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. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start . To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. Fernndez MDM, Saulyte J, Inskip HM. Start taking the smallest dose (~200 mg) possible of NSAIDs (e.g. This leads to the cramping that you may feel. If youve got nausea, chills, and weakness, and you dont normally have those before your period, its entirely possible that you have the actual flu (or COVID, or a stomach bug, or something else.). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. 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. Is there a cure for period flu? While there are some over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, those might not touch your pain if youre struggling with severe symptoms. Your menstrual cycle. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. 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. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. 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. Generally, the period flu is nothing to worry about. Some women also have: Nausea. They also use medications to block the effects of prostaglandins. Others feel lousy throughout their period. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. Your body also produces prostaglandin in the lining of your uterus when you start your period. Period flu symptoms After ovulation, which occurs when the ovary releases an egg, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to drop. Heres what you can do to start treating those nasty periods: And above all, know youre not alone many period-havers are also sick and tired of managing their severe period symptoms and of being sick and tired. How to Track Ovulation and What That Can Tell You About Your Health, What to Know About the Period Hack Sydney Sweeney Used to Try to Stop Her Flow, Yes, TikTok Is Right: Butt Pain During Your Period Is Totally Common, 12 Less-Known Causes of Irregular Periods, The Causes of Runner's Diarrhea and What You Can Do About It. 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 is potentially a life-threatening illness. This blocks the formation of prostaglandins, thus reducing symptoms, but the catch is that you need to take it before things get bad. Several medicines may treat period flu symptoms. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. There are a few potential hacks you can try, according to womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. But for some women, period flu can feel even worse than typical PMS symptoms. 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. Cyclic changes in your sex hormones, mainly estrogen, can also cause you to feel run down, along with causing your more run-of-the-mill period symptoms, like cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), these antidepressants are often used in patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Crying and feeling sad or anxious before or during your period is fairly normal, and likely due to fluctuating hormones. Sore muscles. As with PMS, hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others, can reduce and prevent period flu symptoms. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. PMS is pretty common, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. Exercise provides the natural release of feel-good endorphins and helps with the inflammation caused by the prostaglandins, explains Dr. Greves. For some . The main thing to recognize is that these symptoms occur at the same time every month and improve or disappear once your period comes. We created Right as Rain to serve as a resource to connect you with health and wellness information you can trust from researchers, healthcareproviders and faculty from UW Medicine and the University of Washington. What Are Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. High levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps, and can also cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many women experience nausea before their period begins. So what's really going on with your body? Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. Heres Why, 8 Tips to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Recurring, Your Go-To Household Items Could Be Polluting Your Home. Ever feel like youre coming down with the flu, only to find out that its actually your period? he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. Period flu is a slang term for the cluster of flu-like emotions that women can sometimes experience before or during their period. For some it can last around two weeks, beginning as early as the day after ovulation and ending on the first day of their period. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. Dizziness. Many people who have periods experience something similar and often call it period flu. But it isnt really the flu (influenza), and you cant spread it to others. What Is 'Period Flu' and How Can You Deal With It? - Lifehacker One word: hormones. If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms. They can also cause the body temperature to rise, which can lead to a low-grade fever. If the egg has been fertilized and. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. (called prostaglandins), may enhance flu-like symptoms in some women. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Usually, prostaglandin-related menstrual pain is worse when the. For others, these symptoms may begin after they ovulate. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. 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. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. There are a few things you can do to manage the flu-like symptoms. What Is 'Period Flu?' Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Shape Try heat therapy. Consult with your healthcare provider for options. A study in BMC Womens Health found that Increased hydration is associated with a reduction in pain for those suffering from dysmenorrhea. 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. Preparation is key for managing and preventing some of these uncomfortable symptoms, she says. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2019. When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Youre not alone. Do you feel nauseous, dizzy, or bogged down by headaches as if you have the flu right around the time of your period? Like PMS, the cause of period flu can be chalked up to the bodys response to changing hormone levels. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pain from a disorder in your reproductive organs. Period Flu: It's RealSymptoms, Causes, Treatments - The Healthy Some recent studies have shown that for some, period cramps can be at the same intensity of pain associated with a heart attack.. Use birth control pills. Gastrointestinal issues are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms can include extremely painful periods, pain during sex, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements. Period Flu: Why You Feel Sick Before Your Period, From MDs - mindbodygreen 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. The feelings of malaise and pain may kick in just before or at the time you start your period each month. I'm not saying you can't drink occasionally, but if it's become a part of your daily routine and you are struggling with not feeling well, it's time to look at how much you are drinking. 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. And another study on young women with PMS found that supplementing with calcium for three months improved fatigue, appetite, and mood changes. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a womens hormone expert and prominent leader in womens medicine. 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. The prostaglandins are the cause of your period flu symptoms. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. Flu Like Symptoms Before Period - Medical Treasure Exercise before and during your period has been known to reduce period symptoms, especially pain and cramps. Period Flu: Signs, Causes, and Treatment - Oli And Alex While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.. There are ways you can support symptoms. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. Are some women more prone to the period flu than others? Bipolar Disord. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Rather, period flu is what happens when prostaglandins aka, the fatty acid compound that's responsible for dislodging your uterine lining and kick starting your period get into your blood. They also elevate when you have an actual infection and can help explain why you may have a low-grade fever. 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. For example, typical symptoms of period flu include: Bowel disruptions such as constipation or diarrhea. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus sheds when the uterine muscles tighten. And if your hormones are already out of balance, as seen with estrogen dominance, this can only make things worse. This can cause fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. But if it happens regularly around your period, its likely what experts often refer to as the period flu.. 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 notice this, get help right away or head to the nearest hospital. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. 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. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. Its also important to make sure that you are drinking enough water around the time of your period. This process can cause inflammation resulting in pain and feeling feverish. In fact, more than 100 symptoms have been linked to PMS. Period Flu - What You Need to Know - Dr. Jolene Brighten Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When the endometrial cells lining the uterus begin to shed, these . Prostaglandins may cause a low-grade fever. Its normal to experience cramping, bloating or irritability during your monthly cycle, but it shouldnt majorly interfere with your life. For others, it only lasts a few days before or during their period. The heat helps with blood circulation and reduces fluid retention. Period flu is a collection of symptoms that manifest in many women right before they begin flowing. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods | ACOG Keep in mind that not every medicine is explicitly approved for that purpose. The symptoms are pretty varied, too, and can include: Experts arent totally sure about what causes this phenomenon, but hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle are the most likely culprit. While there is some overlap, like tender breasts or mood swings, they may feel more like the flu than what you would typically associate with PMS. So, in general, while you might feel icky, you'll be totally fine in a few days. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. Here's everything you need to know about period fluHelloGiggles If you get periods, you know about pre-menstrual syndrome. The most important thing is that if you are suffering, there are many treatments ranging in types, risks and benefits, so talk to your provider candidly if you are struggling, says Villarreal. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. Increased progesterone. Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu.