If we're talking pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting, then it can be ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and even pregnancy, so it depends on the specific symptoms," explains Dr. Shirazian. 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. 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. For others, you might find yourself glued to your bed, daydreaming you were one of those happy, skipping people in those commercials for period products. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. Treatment for diarrhea. (Prostaglandins are fatty acids that look like hormones that . 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. 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. 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. Still, healthcare providers may use the same tools that usually diagnose PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? The role of prostaglandins during your period. 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. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is another condition associated with periods and PMS, but its main feature is changes in mood. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. For example, vitex, or chasteberry, works to balance your hormones naturally. How Does The Abortion Pill Work, What's The Cost? The sorts of things you might mistake for being full-on sick. When too many prostaglandins find their way into your bloodstream when the uterine wall breaks down. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. A study in BMC Womens Health found that Increased hydration is associated with a reduction in pain for those suffering from dysmenorrhea. We may earn a commission from links on this page. It can also lead to headaches. Try to rest when you can. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Period Flu - What You Need to Know - Dr. Jolene Brighten You may have physical symptoms too, including cramps, headaches, or muscle pain. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci. Before your period, their levels increase and can cause an inflammatory response. 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. Heres what to know. While everyone who has a period is different, some symptoms are commonly shared by those who have severe symptoms. They could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment. Blomqvist A, Engblom D. Neural Mechanisms of Inflammation-Induced Fever. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. 2014;16(1):22-36. doi:10.1111/bdi.12138, Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF, et al. For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. Flu symptoms & complications. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. But that's not all (lucky you!). No single medicine or lifestyle change can end the period flu. This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Nausea can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms are very bad, you may take NSAIDs and birth control pills together. Dysmenorrhea, the correct term for painful periods, can be treated with the help of your doctor. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These flu-like feelings are similar to or overlap with a group of symptoms doctor call dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. This shift is part of why you have PMS, so it makes sense that it would also be a cause for period flu. And it has nothing to do with the actual flu, so theres that. They are contagious and you will need to take steps to limit the spread. Your period marks the beginning of your follicular phase, which is when your body gets ready to release an egg from your ovary. Fun, right? The more inflammation in the body, the more prostaglandins are present. It's also thanks to prostaglandins, which are hormones released before your period starts to help dislodge your uterine lining. Doctors dont clearly understand what causes these symptoms, but hormonal changes during this time may have a role to play. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. Period flu causes. 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. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Villarreal says that for some, their pain might be bad enough to need medication to manage it. Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. Still, it can be hard to accurately describe reproductive pain to other people, especially when no two people experience pain the same way. Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. When estrogen and progesterone levels shift in the second half of your cycle, you can feel more tired and not sleep as well. Every body and every person is different, Villarreal says. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. 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. Some evidence suggests that herbs and supplements may relieve PMS symptoms. Can Your Period Cause a Fever: Period Flu - Doctor Health BMC Womens Health. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. Nausea, fatigue, body achessounds like .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}the flu, right? 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. Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. When your PMS symptoms feel like the flu, and your actual period somehow feels worse its time for a change. But for some people, that time of the month can include symptoms that feel like an actual illness. For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. . Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. It's common to feel a little more tired than usual when you're about to start your period. The pain may range from mild to severe, but it usually goes away with 1-3 days. From preventing bloating, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels, water will be your best friend both before and during your period. Your hormones shift dramatically between ovulation and your period, as you saw above. Still, the name fits well for people with flu-like symptoms before their periods. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. If the symptoms are serious enough, they may affect your quality of life. Period flu symptoms After ovulation, which occurs when the ovary releases an egg, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to drop. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). The good news: Youre not crazy or alone period flu is definitely a thing, based on anecdotal evidence. Your menstrual cycle. Prostaglandins: What It Is, Function & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 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. In:StatPearls. Is Your Heavy Period a Sign of Something Serious? Loose stools. Usually, prostaglandin-related menstrual pain is worse when the. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. 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. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. 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. If you dont use a hormonal method, starting one could help to tame some of your symptoms. . In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider if you notice new or changing breast lumps or nipple discharge. Some women get intense symptoms, while others may experience more mild variations. 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. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. Increased progesterone. 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. Changing hormone levels are the likely culprit of period flu symptoms. Try applying scented oils and gently massaging above the pelvic region, around the navel, in a clockwise motion. The prostaglandins cause an inflammatory response in the body and this is why people feel flu-like." But what does that mean? Some people will experience these flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to their period, while others will experience them the. Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V. Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. 2800 N 6th St Unit 1 PMB 953 Saint Augustine FL 32084, Get Your FREE Hormone Starter Kit with7 Day Meal Plan & Recipe Guide. 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. These compounds have hormone-like effects and are found in tissue throughout the body. Progesterone is another hormone that increases right before a menstrual period. o compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome. 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. Period problems, solved: Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". Premenstrual Syndrome: Overview. But the hormonal IUD offers a more localized response in the uterus, so it may help with symptoms such as cramping and menstrual flow. 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. In the case of the period flu, prostaglandins are to blame. 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.'".