.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. Heres Why, 8 Tips to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Recurring, Your Go-To Household Items Could Be Polluting Your Home. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. High levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps, and can also cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. 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. Gastrointestinal issues are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. If the symptoms are serious enough, they may affect your quality of life. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. So what's the difference between PMS and period flu, exactly? Period flu can feel a lot like the common cold or influenza. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. If the contractions are too strong that they may press up against surrounding blood vessels and cut off some of the oxygen supply. Still, keep in mind that the research on whether those methods work is inconclusive. We use cookie to improve your experience. 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. 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. Generally, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine and salt can help reduce period flu symptoms. You may have physical symptoms too, including cramps, headaches, or muscle pain. Efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Since it's so poorly understood, you may not even know the symptoms you've been experiencing have a name. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? We need more research to completely understand all of the causes for these symptoms. Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pain from a disorder in your reproductive organs. If you think you might be pregnant, the best way to distinguish between the two is with a pregnancy test, Dr. Wider says. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). "Some warm compresses can also help with back pain," she adds. In fact, the influenza virus, which causes the contagious respiratory illness, doesn't actually cause the period flu. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. Changing hormones influence your brain chemistry, causing serotonin levels to fluctuate. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 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. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. 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. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. They can do a proper workup and help you feel A-okay when your period comes your way. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. National Library of Medicine. 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. The causes aren't certain, but since symptoms coincide with cycle timing, the most likely explanation is hormone fluctuations. Some. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. The symptoms of PMS vary from person to person. All rights reserved. Period Flu: Why You Feel Sick Before Your Period, From MDs - mindbodygreen 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. 7 Ways Your Thyroid Messes With Your Body, Jen Garner Shares Her "Secret" for Thinning Hair, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. 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. Prostaglandins also cause strong muscle contractions in the uterus that lead to pain, discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea among some women. The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. Nausea can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. Cleveland Clinic: Dysmenorrhea, Can Tracking Your Basal Body Temperature Help You Conceive?, Columbia University: I keep getting a fever with my period., NHS: Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle., University Park OBGYN: Can You Get a Fever During Your Period?, UpToDate: Patient education: Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea) (Beyond the Basics)., Chemistry Libretexts: Prostaglandins.. Prostaglandins are also involved in many other PMS symptoms, including headaches. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. 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. Some women also have: Nausea. Prostaglandins may cause a low-grade fever. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Other evidence suggests that massage therapy may relieve pelvic pain, as well. 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. "This drop in the hormone LH and progesterone causes some women to feel a whole host of symptoms," says Dr. Shirazian. Still, some people have flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue before their periods. 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. Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause. For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. Global epidemiological study of variation of premenstrual symptoms with age and sociodemographic factors. Research has found that heat therapy can alleviate pelvic pain by relaxing tense muscles. Continue for about 15 minutes. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. Treatments for Period Flu. Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. First of all, if your symptoms are severe, talk toa professional, such as your gynecologist. The best way to figure out whats happening here isagaintake a test. Occasional fluctuations in your menstrual symptoms, flow, and overall duration usually arent cause for concern. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. While there are some over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, those might not touch your pain if youre struggling with severe symptoms. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . Those conditions sound (and are) painful, but just because youre having severe PMS and period symptoms doesnt necessarily mean you have secondary dysmenorrhea. 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. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But unless your period is late, theres no link between common period flu symptoms and pregnancy. And if you experience intense pain during your period, you may have dysmenorrhea. Appointments 216.444.6568. Period Flu - Why Hormones Make You Feel Sick Before Your Period 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. You may feel like your body is fighting off a virus when it isn't. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. o compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual Syndrome: Treatment for PMS. Staying hydrated; exercising; eating healthy foods, like whole grains and vegetables; and getting enough sleep are key. Increased progesterone. How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? Perimenopause can happen years before your period stops, and it can include hot flashes, mood swings, and heavier, lighter, or irregular periods. Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you need to continue to take them. Period Flu: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments - Forbes Health Can Ibuprofen Really Reduce Your Period Flow? In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. It can be a little tricky, Dr. Wider says. You deserve to have pain-free periods or at least have the pain managed so you can continue living a normal life during your cycle. Use birth control pills. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Sadr SS, Samimi Ardestani SM, Razjouyan K, et al. 2020;17(3):988. doi:10.3390/ijerph17030988. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780, womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome. We avoid using tertiary references. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As a licensed naturopathic physician who is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology, she takes an integrative approach in her clinical practice. While "period flu" is not a formal medical term or diagnosis, Alyssa Dweck, MD, a practicing gynecologist in Westchester County, New York and host of the podcast Business of the V, knows exactly what I'm talking about.