When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. We avoid using tertiary references. Gunaydin C, Bilge SS. How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? Period flu is not an official medical diagnosis, so there is no specific set of symptoms. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? 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. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. Prostaglandins are also involved in many other PMS symptoms, including headaches. For many individuals, this eases luteal phase symptoms, while also making their periods lighter and less painful. 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. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can cause a whole bunch of period symptoms, like cramps, period poop, and farts dont pretend you dont know what Im talking about. 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 those with these intense symptoms, it can be hard to believe some people dont have moments of gripping pain associated with their cycle. Just practice safety methods while you wait for the results, like wearing a mask when youre around others and social distancing. (2018). Like PMS, period flu symptoms can look different for everyone. Your immune system activates antibodies and other chemicals like prostaglandin to destroy the virus or bacteria. "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. The role of prostaglandins during your period. 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. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. A study on women with PMS found that those who took curcumin twice a day for the week before their period and three days after had less severe symptoms. So what's the difference between PMS and period flu, exactly? Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. And another study on young women with PMS found that supplementing with calcium for three months improved fatigue, appetite, and mood changes. They also elevate when you have an actual infection and can help explain why you may have a low-grade fever. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. Research has found that heat therapy can alleviate pelvic pain by relaxing tense muscles. If you struggle to control pain and inflammation, it may also be worth following an anti-inflammatory diet in the days or weeks leading up to your period. But have you ever heard of period flu? In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here are some ways you can find relief for your period flu symptoms. 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. Symptoms that have been called period flu include: Some people also report an elevated temperature, runny nose, or sore throat. So you can just blame the hormonal rollercoaster that is PMS until there's more conclusive science on this. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Try applying scented oils and gently massaging above the pelvic region, around the navel, in a clockwise motion. But putting it all together isn't always easy. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). They are also used by the body to fight infections, and play a role in symptoms like fever. If you have a period, you probably experience some discomfort and pain around your time of the month, which is totally normal. PMS is pretty common, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms. 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. If youve got nausea, chills, and weakness, and you dont normally have those before your period, its entirely possible that you have the actual flu (or COVID, or a stomach bug, or something else.). 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. 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. o compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome. 2014;14:14. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-14, Conti B. Prostaglandin E2 that triggers fever is synthesized through an endocannabinoid- dependent pathway. Consult a healthcare provider if you notice new or changing breast lumps or nipple discharge. Other evidence suggests that massage therapy may relieve pelvic pain, as well. Relief. 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. Villarreal recommends chatting with your doctor to find other options that might work better for you. Learn how to limit the bloating and gas that precede and accompany your period. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. 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.'". In fact, more than 90 percent of women most of them in their 30s say that they experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, tender breasts, and headaches, according to the Office on Women's Health. Normally, the period flu is nothing to worry about. National Library of Medicine. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. 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. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Hormonal birth control can also help ease pain and thin your uterine lining to lower prostaglandin production. O'Shea noted that prostaglandins, hormones released before your period starts to help dislodge your uterine lining, can lead to some pretty unpleasant symptoms, too, including "diarrhea,. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If period flu is a regular thing for you, its more than understandable that youd want to stop symptoms before they even start. Period flu symptoms, like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue, can feel a lot like the flu. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. What is period flu? Others feel lousy throughout their period. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. Jo J, Lee SH. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. When the endometrial cells lining the uterus begin to shed, these . 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. But for some people, that time of the month can include symptoms that feel like an actual illness. Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level. Staying hydrated; exercising; eating healthy foods, like whole grains and vegetables; and getting enough sleep are key. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Heres what to know. (2011). For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. In general, taking steps to treat your symptoms and reduce their severity can help alleviate any discomfort. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). 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. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. There are a few potential hacks you can try, according to womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. Severe pain and sickness before and during your period come in a couple of different flavors. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. 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. You may even notice PMS symptoms as early as two weeks after the first day of your last period. In fact, one study found that just 8 weeks of regular exercise could help to reduce symptoms of PMS. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. This includes feelings of extreme fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and digestive issues. What Are Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? In other words, theres no period flu diagnosis you could get from a doctor. Digestive problems including constipation or diarrhoea. The body produces prostaglandins in the areas where injury or illness occurs. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. The causes aren't certain, but since symptoms coincide with cycle timing, the most likely explanation is hormone fluctuations. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Ever feel like youre coming down with the flu, only to find out that its actually your period? When menstruation begins, both Dr. Dweck and Dr. Minkin generally see their patients' symptoms dissipate. This is because before your period, progesterone levels drop dramatically. When it comes to the effectiveness of herbal supplements for treating period-related symptoms, there is limited scientific research available. Generally, the "period flu" isn't something you should worry about too much, especially if you're noticing a monthly pattern with your symptoms. However, an overproduction of prostaglandins exacerbates the body's inflammatory response, explains Dr. Gersh, and that's not great when it comes to PMS. So the thinking is that when progesterone fluctuates, so do the levels of serotonin, which can potentially lead to, for example, the increased feelings of fatigue that come with period flu. Low-grade fever, chills or sweats. Although its not an official medical term or related to influenza, learn how to get relief if you suffer from this premenstrual phenomenon. She's written for many online publications, including Health, Prevention, Women's Health, What To Expect, and Apartment Therapy. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. (Prostaglandins are fatty acids that look like hormones that . The thought of getting Parkinsons when youre young can be scary. At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of the public. Still, keep in mind that the research on whether those methods work is inconclusive. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.. Some women also have: Nausea. Prostaglandins are a type of fatty acid, and in women, one of their key roles is to help the uterus shed its lining during menstruation. The best way to understand how long the symptoms last for you is to keep track of your symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. Early symptoms of pregnancy and PMS cause many of the same symptoms, like nausea, bloating, fatigue, and breast swelling and tenderness. Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, et al. Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. This causes the low-grade fever. "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. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. Use birth control pills. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? Heres Why, 8 Tips to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Recurring, Your Go-To Household Items Could Be Polluting Your Home. It's common for women to experience flu-like symptoms and even a fever between ovulation and the start of their period. 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. Should You Eat Based On Your Menstrual Cycle? Thus, the name. Theyre also not a joke, either. For people with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help treat the pain. Bae J, et al. Fun, right? "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. But if it happens regularly around your period, its likely what experts often refer to as the period flu.. Dull, continuous ache. 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. 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. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. Symptoms can include extremely painful periods, pain during sex, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements. The good news: Youre not crazy or alone period flu is definitely a thing, based on anecdotal evidence. 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. No single medicine or lifestyle change can end the period flu. Kiarra King, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist from Oak Park, Illinois. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. But after a few days of your period, prostaglandin levels decrease so your period flu pain (should) subside. 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. Barcikowska Z, Rajkowska-Labon E, Grzybowska ME, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, Zorena K. Inflammatory Markers in Dysmenorrhea and Therapeutic Options. These are hormones that help the cervix to open, but they can also cause movement in your gut (hence the diarrhea and gas). Over time, you may notice that your symptoms follow a pattern each cycle. 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 word: hormones. Period flu symptoms are similar tobut more severe thanpremenstrual syndrome (PMS). These hormones help your uterine lining shed and cause cramps. 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. Fernndez MDM, Saulyte J, Inskip HM. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, that's a red flag that it's not just cranked-up PMS. 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. The best type of hormonal birth control the pill, ring, patch, or intrauterine device (IUD) for managing period flu depends on your symptoms. This could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . Prostaglandins. Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. Luckily, "period flu" is a lot easier to treat than the real one. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. And it has nothing to do with the actual flu, so theres that. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. 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. 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. There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. 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. 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. Otherwise, doctors arent entirely sure what exactly causes these symptoms. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. So lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk, do some yoga, or lift some heavy weights whatever works for you. Learn more about why it happens and how to manage symptoms. Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Another potential treatment option is taking diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills. Studies also point to the positive effects of consuming increased amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 on premenstrual symptoms. For example, maybe you have a thyroid disorder, which exhibits similar symptoms (excessive fatigue, weakness, muscle and body aches), Dr. Dweck notes. This is especially true if you are currently taking birth control bills, as certain supplements may reduce their effectiveness. Period flu causes. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start . For example, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can work wonders for managing pain and inflammation around the time of your period. The first day of your period is day one of your menstrual cycle. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. She is the best selling author of Beyond the Pill and Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth. If you're feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Association between generalized anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a diagnostic interviewing study. Gastrointestinal issues are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. This leads to the cramping that you may feel. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. You may feel like your body is fighting off a virus when it isn't. Start taking the smallest dose (~200 mg) possible of NSAIDs (e.g. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Those conditions sound (and are) painful, but just because youre having severe PMS and period symptoms doesnt necessarily mean you have secondary dysmenorrhea. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus sheds when the uterine muscles tighten. Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Its possible to get treatment for severe period symptoms. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Periods arent gross or shameful. Before your period, their levels increase and can cause an inflammatory response. While there is some overlap, like tender breasts or mood swings, they may feel more like the flu than what you would typically associate with PMS. Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. 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. 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. Above all, be gentle with yourself. 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. Still, some people have flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue before their periods. Several medicines may treat period flu symptoms. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . In the uterus, they work to loosen the uterine lining which prompts your period. If the contractions are too strong that they may press up against surrounding blood vessels and cut off some of the oxygen supply. "Birth control works because it stabilizes your hormones, so you don't have that LH surge or drop in progesterone levels. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. (called prostaglandins), may enhance flu-like symptoms in some women. 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. Is there a cure for period flu? While everyone who has a period is different, some symptoms are commonly shared by those who have severe symptoms. Unfortunately, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and discomfort -enter the Period Flu. It's natural to have an uptick in inflammation during your period because prostaglandins are inflammatory hormones. . And you may have increased water retention, which could lead to joint pain, Dr. Dweck says. Villarreal says that for some, their pain might be bad enough to need medication to manage it. 2023 Mira, Powered by Quanovate | All Rights Reserved. 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. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. The period flu is obviously not caused by a virus, but some of the symptoms can mimic COVID-19, including fatigue, lethargy, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset or changes in bowel habits, she says. The symptoms of PMS vary from person to person. 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. 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. Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you need to continue to take them. Its normal to experience cramping, bloating or irritability during your monthly cycle, but it shouldnt majorly interfere with your life. 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. 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.
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