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. How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is because before your period, progesterone levels drop dramatically. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. In fact, more than 100 symptoms have been linked to PMS. 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. While there are some over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, those might not touch your pain if youre struggling with severe symptoms. 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. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. Some people will experience these flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to their period, while others will experience them the. Nothing stated or posted on this web site or available through any services offered by Dr. Jolene Brighten, ND and Brighten Wellness, LLC, are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medicine. 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. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. (called prostaglandins), may enhance flu-like symptoms in some women. By breaking up blood and fluid in the pelvic region, heat reduces swelling that may compress nerves and cause pelvic pain. 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. Youre not alone. Generally, the "period flu" isn't something you should worry about too much, especially if you're noticing a monthly pattern with your symptoms. The patch, pill, and ring work similarly because they're systemic hormones, meaning they're absorbed into the body and don't go straight to your uterus, says Dr. Greves. Get a massage. 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. How Young Is Too Young to Get Parkinson's Disease? Do you feel nauseous, dizzy, or bogged down by headaches as if you have the flu right around the time of your period? (Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.) Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. Weakness. Why Is It So Hard for Black Women to Get Diagnosed with Endometriosis? "For women who experience a lot of symptoms around their period, [hormonal birth control can] allow them to be able to go to work and do all of the lifestyle things they want. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. The body produces prostaglandins in the areas where injury or illness occurs. What Is Period Flu? Theyre also not a joke, either. If you have a period, you probably experience some discomfort and pain around your time of the month, which is totally normal. She has a masters degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. 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. A common alternative option is hormonal contraceptives, such as: Hormonal contraceptives are low risk and can be tried and stopped if you dont like them, says Villarreal. 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. 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. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. 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. In the case of the period flu, prostaglandins are to blame. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". While prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contraction (aka menstrual cramps), they also affect the bowels. Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V. Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder. "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. During your period, prostaglandins trigger muscles in your uterus to contract. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. This process can cause inflammation resulting in pain and feeling feverish. So what's the difference between PMS and period flu, exactly? These are hormones that help the cervix to open, but they can also cause movement in your gut (hence the diarrhea and gas). National Library of Medicine. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. Unfortunately, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and discomfort -enter the Period Flu. Lifestyle changes that support your hormones, blood sugar balance, and inflammation can go a long way to helping you feel better. Its normal to experience cramping, bloating or irritability during your monthly cycle, but it shouldnt majorly interfere with your life. Instead, the goal is to treat your symptoms. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Bipolar Disord. This can improve blood flow and give you some relief. Start taking the smallest dose (~200 mg) possible of NSAIDs (e.g. If you're feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal. However, its still important to be aware of its symptoms and potential relevance to your own individual cycle. 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. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 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. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. your wind-down routine (hello screens and cell phones), and anything else that could be interfering. Doctors dont clearly understand what causes these symptoms, but hormonal changes during this time may have a role to play. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. For example, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can work wonders for managing pain and inflammation around the time of your period. Nausea can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms. 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. Prostaglandins and Period Flu Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. 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. Also, if you one of your period flu symptoms is diarrhea, this can lead to dehydration, so make sure you're getting enough H2O throughout the day, says Dr. Greves. Symptoms of menstrual cramps include: Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. That process can cause some unpleasant symptoms, like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and general achiness. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. It is not as same as having actual flu. Still, the name fits well for people with flu-like symptoms before their periods. If you find that your chills still wont go away and they are interrupting your daily life, it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor for further advice. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We avoid using tertiary references. And if you experience intense pain during your period, you may have dysmenorrhea. These aren't the only strange symptoms you might notice before your period. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). Int J Environ Res Public Health. This blocks the formation of prostaglandins, thus reducing symptoms, but the catch is that you need to take it before things get bad. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. For many individuals, this eases luteal phase symptoms, while also making their periods lighter and less painful. Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs. Occasional fluctuations in your menstrual symptoms, flow, and overall duration usually arent cause for concern. In addition to this shift in hormones, the increased levels of prostaglandins can result in some women experiencing these exaggerated PMS symptoms, notes Dr. Greves. The role of prostaglandins during your period. Premenstrual Syndrome: Overview. Dont smoke, and limit how often you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these may trigger some of the symptoms. Your hormones shift dramatically between ovulation and your period, as you saw above. Hormonal birth control can also help ease pain and thin your uterine lining to lower prostaglandin production. 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. National Library of Medicine. But while those are helpful I would still encourage you to work with a qualified practitioner to understand why your hormones are imbalanced to begin with. "Off-label use" is when healthcare providers prescribe medicines that treat symptoms beyond their intent. "There isn't a specific patient type that makes you more prone to the 'period flu,' but certainly, some women are more prone to feeling PMS symptoms during their period. It's also thanks to prostaglandins, which are hormones released before your period starts to help dislodge your uterine lining. Both could be considered in addition to the above supplements to address hormone balance to help with period flu. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Global epidemiological study of variation of premenstrual symptoms with age and sociodemographic factors. So what's really going on with your body? Some people will only note mild intermittent cramping that can feel like throbbing or dull, intermittent pain, says Villarreal. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. 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. Every body and every person is different, Villarreal says. In addition to heavy muscle pain, cramping, bloating, and headaches, individuals with PMDD may also experience more mood-related symptoms in the days or weeks before their period. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile tea may also help. 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. Generally, the period flu is nothing to worry about. Normally, the period flu is nothing to worry about. Dysmenorrhea, the correct term for painful periods, can be treated with the help of your doctor. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This shift is part of why you have PMS, so it makes sense that it would also be a cause for period flu. Eurasian J Med. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. This is potentially a life-threatening illness. Many women experience nausea before their period begins. What Causes Gas Before My Period and What Can I Do About It? Vaghela N, Mishra D, Sheth M, Dani VB. According to. Several medicines may treat period flu symptoms. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. 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. The period flu mimics symptoms of the flusuch as headache, sore throat, and muscle achesnear your period. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. Remember too, sometimes it is just the flu. 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. 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. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you need to continue to take them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. Effects of Calcium Supplement Therapy in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome. Bae J, et al. One of the best ways to get some relief from period flu is by taking over-the-counter painkillers. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. But that's not all (lucky you!). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. 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. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are a class of over-the counter (OTC) drugs that can ease pain during 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. Some women get intense symptoms, while others may experience more mild variations. 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. The best way to understand how long the symptoms last for you is to keep track of your symptoms. You might have spotting before your period due to changes in medication, pregnancy, infection, or another underlying condition. 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. (Theyre even available at your local drugstore now!) 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. In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. Research has found that some of those conditions may include the following: Don't hesitate to tell a healthcare provider if period flu symptoms strike hard during each menstrual cycle or linger longer than a few days. Loose stools. 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. Take them as soon as you start bleeding or whenever you begin to have cramps. 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. They also elevate when you have an actual infection and can help explain why you may have a low-grade fever. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Focusing on the root cause may not lead to immediate relief, but it's critical if you want to work on prevention. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. Flu symptoms & complications. 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. Symptoms, Causes And Treatments. BMC Womens Health. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. For those with these intense symptoms, it can be hard to believe some people dont have moments of gripping pain associated with their cycle. And if your hormones are already out of balance, as seen with estrogen dominance, this can only make things worse. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. If you notice this, get help right away or head to the nearest hospital. Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Some recent studies have shown that for some, period cramps can be at the same intensity of pain associated with a heart attack.. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. 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. If you track your period and tend to know when its about to start, consider taking a Motrin the day before. Dizziness. 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. It isnt totally clear what causes it, but hormonal fluctuations likely play a big role. For more information, see our. 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. That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? They could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment. Once your period starts, dysmenorrheacan cause headaches, diarrhea and a general feeling of malaise. But many women also change up their lifestyle habits before their period starts, Dr. Dweck points out. If the egg has been fertilized and. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. Thus, the name. What's more, body temperature naturally increases during ovulation. PMS is pretty common, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. .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. 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? It's common to feel a little more tired than usual when you're about to start your period. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. "Some warm compresses can also help with back pain," she adds. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. You can treat symptoms at home with hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others. Another potential treatment option is taking diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. All rights reserved. Can Ibuprofen Really Reduce Your Period Flow? When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. 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. Preparation is key for managing and preventing some of these uncomfortable symptoms, she says. But unless your period is late, theres no link between common period flu symptoms and pregnancy. 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. 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. Changing hormone levels are the likely culprit of period flu symptoms. Intrigued? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . Women who are on birth control don't notice any major changes during their period. Period flu symptoms can make it hard to function, but there are several things you can do for relief. 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. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z, Lpez-Liria R, Torres-lamo L, Vega-Ramrez FA, et al. Ask your doctor to figure out the best choice for you. Primary dysmenorrhea is the cramping pain that comes before or during a period. Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? The period flu isnt a legit medical term, but it sure does sum up how crummy some people feel during their period. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. Khayat S, Fanaei H, Kheirkhah M, Moghadam ZB, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M.. Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. As the name indicates, period flu symptoms mimic the real flu but are tied into your menstrual cycle and aren't contagious. 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. . The pain may range from mild to severe, but it usually goes away with 1-3 days. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. The best way to combat the chills includes drinking plenty of water, eating regular nutritious meals, and keeping your body moving with regular exercise. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. While everyone who has a period is different, some symptoms are commonly shared by those who have severe symptoms. The wild ride caused by hormones can vary greatly from one person to another. 2014;8(4):74-79. The prostaglandins cause an inflammatory response in the body and this is why people feel flu-like." But what does that mean? Dull, continuous ache. Although there's no cure, you can treat symptoms at home. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Experts believe that changes in the levels of certain chemicals in your body during or before your period have a link to premenstrual symptoms. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start of your period. They may ask you to track your symptoms daily to see what symptoms happen while ovulating and menstruating. What Can I Do to Manage Period Flu Symptoms. Period-flu symptoms tend to vary from person to person. Fun, right? Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. Already. Not to further complicate things, but symptoms of early pregnancy can also be similar to symptoms of period flu, Dr. Wider says. Learn more about why it happens and how to manage symptoms. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. There are a few potential hacks you can try, according to womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. Those include things like abdominal cramps, headache, tender breasts, and changes, Although PMDD shares many of the same symptoms as PMS, they're usually more severe. Since it's so poorly understood, you may not even know the symptoms you've been experiencing have a name. Usually, prostaglandin-related menstrual pain is worse when the. When it comes to the effectiveness of herbal supplements for treating period-related symptoms, there is limited scientific research available. 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.
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