From preventing bloating, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels, water will be your best friend both before and during your period. When it comes to the effectiveness of herbal supplements for treating period-related symptoms, there is limited scientific research available. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. There are other hormones at play, of course. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Loose stools. 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. Intrigued? According to Dr. Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." 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. What Causes Gas Before My Period and What Can I Do About It? Of course, if your period flu significantly impacts your day-to-day routine, and you must miss school or work consistently, it's a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to help you feel better fast. 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. The best way to combat the chills includes drinking plenty of water, eating regular nutritious meals, and keeping your body moving with regular exercise. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. Generally, the "period flu" isn't something you should worry about too much, especially if you're noticing a monthly pattern with your symptoms. And you may have increased water retention, which could lead to joint pain, Dr. Dweck says. Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause. If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms. They can also help to rule out the possibility that something else might be going on, like an actual infectious illness. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. Select Region. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . Nausea can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Period flu isn't a medical term;. The best type of hormonal birth control the pill, ring, patch, or intrauterine device (IUD) for managing period flu depends on your symptoms. If the symptoms are serious enough, they may affect your quality of life. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor, covering health, parenting, and wellness. Why is my menstrual cycle getting shorter? Although its not an official medical term or related to influenza, learn how to get relief if you suffer from this premenstrual phenomenon. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The period flu can lead to many symptoms familiar to PMS,such as: Other common symptoms may resemble the flu, including: Those symptoms typically begin either right before or at the start of your period. Then comes the luteal phase, when the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. But after a few days of your period, prostaglandin levels decrease so your period flu pain (should) subside. Symptoms can include extremely painful periods, pain during sex, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements. Other evidence suggests that massage therapy may relieve pelvic pain, as well. Otherwise, doctors arent entirely sure what exactly causes these symptoms. Ask your doctor to figure out the best choice for you. Get the real-time accuracy Mira has to offer and reach your fertility goals. "Prostaglandins can cause intestinal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of being flushed, and general achiness." . 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. 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. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Changing hormone levels are the likely culprit of period flu symptoms. Exercise before and during your period has been known to reduce period symptoms, especially pain and cramps. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. These aren't the only strange symptoms you might notice before your period. Remember too, sometimes it is just the flu. 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. Primary dysmenorrhea is the cramping pain that comes before or during a period. Unfortunately, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and discomfort -enter the Period Flu. It's common for women to experience flu-like symptoms and even a fever between ovulation and the start of their period. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. 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. 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. Your immune system activates antibodies and other chemicals like prostaglandin to destroy the virus or bacteria. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. National Library of Medicine. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, that's a red flag that it's not just cranked-up PMS. Villarreal recommends chatting with your doctor to find other options that might work better for you. Staying hydrated; exercising; eating healthy foods, like whole grains and vegetables; and getting enough sleep are key. They also use medications to block the effects of prostaglandins. Doctors dont clearly understand what causes these symptoms, but hormonal changes during this time may have a role to play. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. "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. For example, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can work wonders for managing pain and inflammation around the time of your period. The main thing to recognize is that these symptoms occur at the same time every month and improve or disappear once your period comes. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. The symptoms of PMS vary from person to person. It can also lead to headaches. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Period flu isnt a medical term, but it can describe the intense sickness some people get around their period. She's written for many online publications, including Health, Prevention, Women's Health, What To Expect, and Apartment Therapy. For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. 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. 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. These results were from a small study, and the women took the supplements for three cycles. The prostaglandins are the cause of your period flu symptoms. Treatments for Period Flu. 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. Temperature (Austin). Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. .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. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. These molecules bind with receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls your bodys temperature. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. 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. Dysmenorrhea, the correct term for painful periods, can be treated with the help of your doctor. 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. 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. Period flu symptoms are similar tobut more severe thanpremenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS, as its usually known, is the collection of physical and emotional annoyances that can occur shortly before your period is due. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Some evidence suggests that herbs and supplements may relieve PMS symptoms. There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. You may feel like your body is fighting off a virus when it isn't. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. So what's the difference between PMS and period flu, exactly? 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. Is It Possible to Get Pregnant on Your Period? You can treat symptoms at home with hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others. Period-flu symptoms tend to vary from person to person. Appointments 216.444.6568. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. If you dont use a hormonal method, starting one could help to tame some of your symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. Learn when to get help. Sweating at night or when you otherwise wouldnt expect to feel hot. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. Known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), these antidepressants are often used in patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). They're fatty acids that collect in the uterus and help shed its lining during your period. Still, it can be hard to accurately describe reproductive pain to other people, especially when no two people experience pain the same way. Over time, you may notice that your symptoms follow a pattern each cycle. Relief. ICYDK, prostaglandins are hormone-like substances in the body that trigger your uterine muscles to contract so the uterus sheds its lining during your period. They are contagious and you will need to take steps to limit the spread. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. However, an overproduction of prostaglandins exacerbates the body's inflammatory response, explains Dr. Gersh, and that's not great when it comes to PMS. But for some women, period flu can feel even worse than typical PMS symptoms. U by Kotex partner Dr. Molly O-Shea tells Elite Daily you can keep prostaglandins from doing you dirty by "taking ibuprofen three times a day for the few days prior to your period." This won't. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more severe menstrual. This causes the low-grade fever. For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. Period flu is real in the sense that people experience it and have given it a name, but its not the flu, its not contagious, and it isnt an illness with a medical definition. Armour M, Ee CC, Naidoo D, Ayati Z, Chalmers KJ, Steel KA, de Manincor MJ, Delshad E. Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Another thing to discuss with your doctor is whether a change in birth control could help. This starter pack is exactly what every woman needs to bring her hormones back into balance! 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. While lifestyle changes and home treatment can usually help, talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life. But the hormonal IUD offers a more localized response in the uterus, so it may help with symptoms such as cramping and menstrual flow. We avoid using tertiary references. These hormones help your uterine lining shed and cause cramps. Period flu is . Already. New Opioid Vaccines Could Reduce Overdose and Save Lives, Yes, Pelvic Prolapse Is Common After Birth. For those with these intense symptoms, it can be hard to believe some people dont have moments of gripping pain associated with their cycle. 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. Sadr SS, Samimi Ardestani SM, Razjouyan K, et al. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The impact of low progesterone levels on neurotransmitters (such as serotonin). 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. Reed B.G, Carr B.R. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. "Some people describe these symptoms as diarrhea and nausea because there's hypermobility of the bowels, lethargy, cramps, and lower back pain. This could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. Prostaglandins may cause a low-grade fever. Crying and feeling sad or anxious before or during your period is fairly normal, and likely due to fluctuating hormones. If you're feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal. Progesterone also has an anti-inflammation effect, so when it starts to fall, it also ramps up the release of inflammatory compounds that can cause pain and discomfort. When this happens, your body temperature goes up. So lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk, do some yoga, or lift some heavy weights whatever works for you. Prostaglandins and Period Flu . That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. 2014;16(1):22-36. doi:10.1111/bdi.12138, Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF, et al. Flu symptoms & complications. 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. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. "Upper-respiratory symptoms don't usually go along with your period. For people with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help treat the pain. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. 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. he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. "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. 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. Period flu isn't something you should have to deal with as part of menstruation. This process can cause inflammation resulting in pain and feeling feverish. 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? For some . Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. If you get periods, you know about pre-menstrual syndrome. Periods arent gross or shameful. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . Read More Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Read on to learn more about why you might feel like you have the flu before or during you period and what symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor. Prostaglandins aren't actually hormones, but they're like hormones. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, and even fever are just some of the complaints that have people wondering if theyre getting sick or going crazy during that time of the month. (Theyre even available at your local drugstore now!) Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. Prostaglandins can affect various processes, including blood flow, pain, allergies, inflammation, blood clotting, and reproduction. "My feeling from a medical standpoint is that this is all part of PMS syndrome, which can have both physical and emotional symptoms," Dr. Dweck says. By breaking up blood and fluid in the pelvic region, heat reduces swelling that may compress nerves and cause pelvic pain. 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. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. 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 . 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. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. 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. 2014;14:14. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-14, Conti B. Prostaglandin E2 that triggers fever is synthesized through an endocannabinoid- dependent pathway. Is It Normal to Cry More During Your Period. Efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. While prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contraction (aka menstrual cramps), they also affect the bowels. Period flu can feel a lot like the common cold or influenza. Consult with your healthcare provider for options. Try applying scented oils and gently massaging above the pelvic region, around the navel, in a clockwise motion. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. Consult a healthcare provider if you notice new or changing breast lumps or nipple discharge. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. 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. Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome. Ultimately, the period flu can be miserable. Theyre also designed to cut down prostaglandin production. Before you do, check with your doctor to make sure thats right for you. In the uterus, they work to loosen the uterine lining which prompts your period. Many doctors consider period flu as an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) due to the severity of its symptoms. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2800 N 6th St Unit 1 PMB 953 Saint Augustine FL 32084, Get Your FREE Hormone Starter Kit with7 Day Meal Plan & Recipe Guide. Should You Eat Based On Your Menstrual Cycle? The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus sheds when the uterine muscles tighten. In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. The pain may range from mild to severe, but it usually goes away with 1-3 days. Period symptoms you shouldnt ignore include: While its not recognized as an official diagnosis, the period flu appears to be very real for some people. 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. Prostaglandins are produced before having a period to start the process of dislodging the lining of the uterine from the uterus wall so that a woman has period flow. 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. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. While there are some over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, those might not touch your pain if youre struggling with severe symptoms. In addition to decreasing progesterone levels, another potential cause of flu-like symptoms around your period is the impact of prostaglandins. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How to Regulate Your Periods: 20 Tips and Tricks, Know Your Flow: How Periods Change as You Get Older, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, Treatments, and More. Lifestyle changes that support your hormones, blood sugar balance, and inflammation can go a long way to helping you feel better. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pain from a disorder in your reproductive organs. 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. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. Thankfully, there are options to help. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Others feel lousy throughout their period. This can be done by simply logging in how you feel in a notebook or in a period tracking app. So its not surprising that an oncoming period would feel similar to an illness. Jo J, Lee SH. It can be a little tricky, Dr. Wider says. In fact, one study found that just 8 weeks of regular exercise could help to reduce symptoms of PMS. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . Period flu is a collection of symptoms that manifest in many women right before they begin flowing. They may run some tests to rule out other medical issues that may be causing these symptoms. Fortunately, you don't have to live in agony when that time of the month rolls around. Int J Environ Res Public Health. First of all, if your symptoms are severe, talk toa professional, such as your gynecologist. A study in BMC Womens Health found that Increased hydration is associated with a reduction in pain for those suffering from dysmenorrhea. Its normal to experience cramping, bloating or irritability during your monthly cycle, but it shouldnt majorly interfere with your life. So that's definitely something you want to keep in mind. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. For example, you can take a tablet every six hours as needed. The best way to understand how long the symptoms last for you is to keep track of your symptoms. This can improve blood flow and give you some relief. The best way to figure out whats happening here isagaintake a test.