"This drop in the hormone LH and progesterone causes some women to feel a whole host of symptoms," says Dr. Shirazian. 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. . Read more about me here. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. What Causes Gas Before My Period and What Can I Do About It? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Still, keep in mind that the research on whether those methods work is inconclusive. She's written for many online publications, including Health, Prevention, Women's Health, What To Expect, and Apartment Therapy. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. But after a few days of your period, prostaglandin levels decrease so your period flu pain (should) subside. When the endometrial cells lining the uterus begin to shed, these . Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. 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. Changing hormones influence your brain chemistry, causing serotonin levels to fluctuate. Fortunately, you don't have to live in agony when that time of the month rolls around. Like PMS, the cause of period flu can be chalked up to the bodys response to changing hormone levels. This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. All rights reserved. For others, these symptoms may begin after they ovulate. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Period flu symptoms are similar to PMS and start after ovulation and before your period. Global epidemiological study of variation of premenstrual symptoms with age and sociodemographic factors. Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome. The period flu isnt a legit medical term, but it sure does sum up how crummy some people feel during their period. In:StatPearls. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows inside the muscular wall of the uterus, where it functions the same as it would inside the uterus thickening, breaking down and bleeding each menstrual cycle. 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? Preparation is key for managing and preventing some of these uncomfortable symptoms, she says. Above all, be gentle with yourself. An IUD that goes into the uterus during an office procedure. In the uterus, they work to loosen the uterine lining which prompts your period. Prostaglandins can affect various processes, including blood flow, pain, allergies, inflammation, blood clotting, and reproduction. These are the best cures for those pesky flu-like symptoms: If no intervention is really working for you and you keep feeling horrible when flow is comin' to town, speak with your gynecologist. The impact of low progesterone levels on neurotransmitters (such as serotonin). 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 . Some. 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. But unless your period is late, theres no link between common period flu symptoms and pregnancy. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. 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. In other words, theres no period flu diagnosis you could get from a doctor. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Period flu causes. In addition to decreasing progesterone levels, another potential cause of flu-like symptoms around your period is the impact of prostaglandins. Villarreal says that for some, their pain might be bad enough to need medication to manage it. Efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. They are contagious and you will need to take steps to limit the spread. These flu-like feelings are similar to or overlap with a group of symptoms doctor call dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 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. When too many prostaglandins find their way into your bloodstream when the uterine wall breaks down. 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. 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. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). Focusing on the root cause may not lead to immediate relief, but it's critical if you want to work on prevention. Elevations in progesterone followed by steep declines can also impact neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that affect your mood and energy levels. 2021;18(15):7832. doi:10.3390/ijerph18157832. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. (Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.) 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. Gastrointestinal issues are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. For example, maybe you have a thyroid disorder, which exhibits similar symptoms (excessive fatigue, weakness, muscle and body aches), Dr. Dweck notes. If your symptoms are very bad, you may take NSAIDs and birth control pills together. The role of prostaglandins during your period. There are also medications that may help with some of the symptoms: antidepressants may be appropriate for some people who have issues with depressive feelings, for example. . For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. 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. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. Pain that starts 1 to 3 days before your period, peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period and subsides in 2 to 3 days. 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. Symptoms of menstrual cramps include: Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense. Hormonal birth control can also help ease pain and thin your uterine lining to lower prostaglandin production. 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. "Some warm compresses can also help with back pain," she adds. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. The period flu mimics symptoms of the flusuch as headache, sore throat, and muscle achesnear your period. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "If your symptoms are so bad, physically or emotionally, that theyre interrupting with your day-to-day life or interfering with your relationship, then you need to get checked out," Dr. Dweck says. This usually happens around 10-16 days before you start your period, depending on your menstrual cycle. If the symptoms are serious enough, they may affect your quality of life. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. For more information, see our. Period flu is not an official medical diagnosis, so there is no specific set of symptoms. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Those conditions sound (and are) painful, but just because youre having severe PMS and period symptoms doesnt necessarily mean you have secondary dysmenorrhea. 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. It's common to feel a little more tired than usual when you're about to start your period. 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. Research has found that heat therapy can alleviate pelvic pain by relaxing tense muscles. Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Zinat G,Fedieh H,Mamak S,Abbas RF,Maryam A. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Period flu isnt a medical term, but it can describe the intense sickness some people get around their period. As the name indicates, period flu symptoms mimic the real flu but are tied into your menstrual cycle and aren't contagious. If you also have physical sickness leading up to your period, you might have what people refer to as period flu, a more severe set of PMS symptoms. This leads to the cramping that you may feel. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. 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. I would call it overall malaise, which is how people generally feel around the flu, so it would make sense that people call it the 'period flu.'". Others feel lousy throughout their period. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. As with PMS, hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others, can reduce and prevent period flu symptoms. Be sure to take the medication with food to avoid a stomach ache and, worse, ulcers. Some women also have: Nausea. Dysmenorrhea, the correct term for painful periods, can be treated with the help of your doctor. Appointments 216.444.6568. The good news: Youre not crazy or alone period flu is definitely a thing, based on anecdotal evidence. Research also suggests that progesterone might affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). Everyone has heard of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the constellation of physical and mental symptoms that happens when you are about to get your period. 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. Heres why this symptom occurs and what you can do to find relief. Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level. There are ways you can support symptoms. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus sheds when the uterine muscles tighten. Period flu isn't a medical term;. Before chalking up your symptoms to period flu, consider whether there might be something else going on. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Jen Garner Shares Her "Secret" for Thinning Hair, An Infertility Support Group Helped Me Heal, The Bachelors Sarah Herron Baby Loss Essay, More Daily Magnesium Linked To Lower Dementia Risk, The 10 Best HEPA Vacuums For Allergies And Mold, Why Stress Can Trigger Diarrhea & What You Can Do. . Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor, covering health, parenting, and wellness. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . Period flu isn't something you should have to deal with as part of menstruation. Try heat therapy. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. 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. Women typically get a few signs that their period is about to start. Get a massage. A little cycle science: During the ovulation phase (typically around day 14 of your cycle), there's a dramatic increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes an ovary to release an egg. 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. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Still, it can be hard to accurately describe reproductive pain to other people, especially when no two people experience pain the same way. Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs. While prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contraction (aka menstrual cramps), they also affect the bowels. 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. She has a masters degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. What Are Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. You can then share this information with your doctor and they can provide further guidance. For example, typical symptoms of period flu include: Bowel disruptions such as constipation or diarrhea. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z, Lpez-Liria R, Torres-lamo L, Vega-Ramrez FA, et al. If you have a cough, fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, then it's far less likely to be the 'period flu,'" says Dr. Shirazian. This blocks the formation of prostaglandins, thus reducing symptoms, but the catch is that you need to take it before things get bad. They could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment. This drop in progesterone can affect certain neurotransmitters in your brain, like serotonin, which then leads to mood swings, increased feelings of fatigue, and sleep disruptions. Period problems, solved: Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. Premenstrual syndrome. the egg is not fertilized), your estrogen, progesterone, and LH levels drop, and you start to shed the lining of your uterus as your period begins. No single medicine or lifestyle change can end the period flu. Generally, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine and salt can help reduce period flu symptoms. Your immune system activates antibodies and other chemicals like prostaglandin to destroy the virus or bacteria. 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. If you don't become pregnant (i.e. Already. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. When estrogen and progesterone levels shift in the second half of your cycle, you can feel more tired and not sleep as well. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. Nausea, fatigue, body achessounds like .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}the flu, right? Ask your doctor to figure out the best choice for you. Occasional fluctuations in your menstrual symptoms, flow, and overall duration usually arent cause for concern. 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. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? Period flu refers to a pattern of flu-like symptoms that happen every month at the same time in your cycle, usually between ovulation and your period. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. Instead, the goal is to treat your symptoms. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? We avoid using tertiary references. "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. Flu symptoms & complications. For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. Continue for about 15 minutes. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. Thus, the name. See additional information. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. Bipolar Disord. Symptoms, Causes And Treatments. Digestive problems including constipation or diarrhoea. 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. Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Start taking the smallest dose (~200 mg) possible of NSAIDs (e.g. Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. They can help you figure out if you might be experiencing one of the conditions above and prescribe an appropriate treatment. 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. Ever feel like youre coming down with the flu, only to find out that its actually your period? If you feel like youve been hit by a truck before your period with intense mood swings to boot you might have severe PMS symptoms. Because they're inflammatory compounds, prostaglandins can also increase inflammation in your body leading up to your period, which, in turn, can trigger those flu-like symptoms, adds Dr. Greves. What Can I Do to Manage Period Flu Symptoms. Several medicines may treat period flu symptoms. 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. 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.
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