You are not alone. Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. These contractions help expel the uterus lining. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. Theyre also not a joke, either. Both could be considered in addition to the above supplements to address hormone balance to help with period flu. 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. 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. There are no studies that show your immune system is actually taking a hit. 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 could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. 2018;50(2):116-121. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.0010. 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. 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. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Heres what to know. So, in general, while you might feel icky, you'll be totally fine in a few days. Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. They can also cause the body temperature to rise, which can lead to a low-grade fever. Period flu isnt a medical term, but it can describe the intense sickness some people get around their period. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. So its not surprising that an oncoming period would feel similar to an illness. Other evidence suggests that massage therapy may relieve pelvic pain, as well. 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. Prostaglandins are also responsible for period poops (yes, that uptick in bowel movements is real, and you aren't alone if you have them) and menstrual cramps. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. Try to rest when you can. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. 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. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. Your hormones shift dramatically between ovulation and your period, as you saw above. 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. When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. 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. That process can cause some unpleasant symptoms, like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and general achiness. 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. Premenstrual syndrome. . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. 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. Symptoms of menstrual cramps include: Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Preparation is key for managing and preventing some of these uncomfortable symptoms, she says. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. Period flu is a collection of symptoms that manifest in many women right before they begin flowing. Prostaglandins and Period Flu Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. Dr. Dweck also points out that often times women with pre-existing conditions, like autoimmune issues or rheumatoid arthritis, will even experience exacerbation or a flare-up of their symptoms just before their periodand then things get better after they menstruate. Its possible to get treatment for severe period 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. Then comes the luteal phase, when the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. In turn, those products may relieve period flu symptoms. We think possibly some underlying diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or anatomic variants can increase pain and bleeding in some people, Villarreal says. We avoid using tertiary references. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. Period flu symptoms, like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue, can feel a lot like the flu. This can be done by simply logging in how you feel in a notebook or in a period tracking app. Ovulation can also increase your core body temperature (basal body temperature) for a couple of days. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Symptoms that have been called period flu include: Some people also report an elevated temperature, runny nose, or sore throat. These symptoms all point to the common flu illnesses you know. Continue for about 15 minutes. This leads to the cramping that you may feel. 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. This is because before your period, progesterone levels drop dramatically. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.. Increased fatigue and difficulty sleeping are often associated with fluctuations in progesterone and decreased levels of melatonin during the menstrual cycle. One of their roles is to stimulate uterine contractionsneeded when you're pregnant and trying to give birth and to shed your uterine lining during your period. Experts believe that changes in the levels of certain chemicals in your body during or before your period have a link to premenstrual symptoms. "All of these symptoms can be [due to] lots of things. And another study on young women with PMS found that supplementing with calcium for three months improved fatigue, appetite, and mood changes. Exercise not only helps to improve your mood, but it can also reduce the intensity of headaches, limit muscle pain, and improve your quality of sleep. (Gentle reminder: You need a flu shot to prevent that.) Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. Another potential treatment option is taking diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills. There are ways you can support symptoms. 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. Still, it can be hard to accurately describe reproductive pain to other people, especially when no two people experience pain the same way. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. Be sure to take the medication with food to avoid a stomach ache and, worse, ulcers. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . And if you experience intense pain during your period, you may have dysmenorrhea. If you're feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal. The duration of period flu or flu-like symptoms around your period can vary among individuals. 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. Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor, covering health, parenting, and wellness. She has a masters degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. Armour M, Ee CC, Naidoo D, Ayati Z, Chalmers KJ, Steel KA, de Manincor MJ, Delshad E. Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. The causes aren't certain, but since symptoms coincide with cycle timing, the most likely explanation is hormone fluctuations. Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. Gunaydin C, Bilge SS. National Library of Medicine. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. They could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment. But for some women, period flu can feel even worse than typical PMS symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are a class of over-the counter (OTC) drugs that can ease pain during your period. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. Periods arent gross or shameful. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. 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. Read More Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, that's a red flag that it's not just cranked-up PMS. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. 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. Increased progesterone. This content is imported from poll. 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. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.