The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. You can then share this information with your doctor and they can provide further guidance. The more inflammation in the body, the more prostaglandins are present. You may have physical symptoms too, including cramps, headaches, or muscle pain. They are also used by the body to fight infections, and play a role in symptoms like fever. "Birth control works because it stabilizes your hormones, so you don't have that LH surge or drop in progesterone levels. 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. Period flu can feel a lot like the common cold or influenza. Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. Period flu symptoms can make it hard to function, but there are several things you can do for relief. 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. Menstrual Disc 101: How to Use One and Who Theyre For. These are hormones that help the cervix to open, but they can also cause movement in your gut (hence the diarrhea and gas). The role of prostaglandins during your period. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. A common alternative option is hormonal contraceptives, such as: Hormonal contraceptives are low risk and can be tried and stopped if you dont like them, says Villarreal. 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. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. Treatments for Period Flu. (Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.) Many people who have periods experience something similar and often call it period flu. But it isnt really the flu (influenza), and you cant spread it to others. That's why I created my free 7-day hormone balancing starter kit that includes a meal plan to help you get started. Theyre also not a joke, either. 2020;17(3):988. doi:10.3390/ijerph17030988. Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows in places other than the uterus. If you think you might be pregnant, the best way to distinguish between the two is with a pregnancy test, Dr. Wider says. It can be a little tricky, Dr. Wider says. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Experiencing mild flu-like symptoms in the run up to your period or even during your period is normal, and most of the time its not necessary to bring it up with your doctor. Its normal to experience cramping, bloating or irritability during your monthly cycle, but it shouldnt majorly interfere with your life. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. These compounds have hormone-like effects and are found in tissue throughout the body. Exercise is another powerful home remedy for relieving period-related symptoms. They are contagious and you will need to take steps to limit the spread. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". You can treat symptoms at home with hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others. 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. In fact, one study found that just 8 weeks of regular exercise could help to reduce symptoms of PMS. 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 a few things you can do to manage the flu-like symptoms. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. This causes the low-grade fever. Unfortunately, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and discomfort -enter the Period Flu. There are several treatments for the period flu and general PMS symptoms, including medications, herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and heat. What Is Period Flu? These symptoms all point to the common flu illnesses you know. . It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. 2800 N 6th St Unit 1 PMB 953 Saint Augustine FL 32084, Get Your FREE Hormone Starter Kit with7 Day Meal Plan & Recipe Guide. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. For many individuals, this eases luteal phase symptoms, while also making their periods lighter and less painful. You're probably already aware of a few positive diet changes you could make. Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V. Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The duration of period flu or flu-like symptoms around your period can vary among individuals. In turn, those products may relieve period flu symptoms. It can also lead to headaches. Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. 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. 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. There could be a different underlying issue at play, and the timing with your period is coincidence. Every body and every person is different, Villarreal says. 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. Another thing to discuss with your doctor is whether a change in birth control could help. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Should You Eat Based On Your Menstrual Cycle? Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control. Treatments for period flu are similar to those for PMS. We may earn a commission from links on this page. In sum, the cause of period flu is likely a combination of the following factors: Hormonal fluctuations, specifically the drop in progesterone. 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. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. Period-flu symptoms tend to vary from person to person. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. Still, healthcare providers may use the same tools that usually diagnose PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. In fact, more than 100 symptoms have been linked to PMS. What's more, body temperature naturally increases during ovulation. For people with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help treat the pain. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows inside the muscular wall of the uterus, where it functions the same as it would inside the uterus thickening, breaking down and bleeding each menstrual cycle. It is in no way related to influenza; however, it is a real phenomenon and the term period flu is simply used to describe what the symptoms feel like. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Try heat therapy. "Some warm compresses can also help with back pain," she adds. It's common to feel a little more tired than usual when you're about to start your period. If your symptoms arent too bad, consider taking an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Changing hormones influence your brain chemistry, causing serotonin levels to fluctuate. Home remedies and lifestyle treatment for period flu, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Bipolar Disord. Unlike the flu, which can leave you sidelined with chills, body aches, a sore throat, and nasal congestion, the period flu is not contagious and unlikely to lead to anything serious. "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. But the hormonal IUD offers a more localized response in the uterus, so it may help with symptoms such as cramping and menstrual flow. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. Endometriosisis a condition in which endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. You are not alone. Ask your doctor to figure out the best choice for you. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. Making certain dietary changes can also help to relieve unwanted symptoms around your period. When estrogen and progesterone levels shift in the second half of your cycle, you can feel more tired and not sleep as well. While many reach for an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (and no judgment here if that's what helps you get through, but they do have side effects, especially if used longer-term), the following are more natural options that can help: Try to include nutrient-dense foods like lots of leafy greens, berries, olive oil, nuts, and seeds which can help bring inflammation down (and keep you regular if you are feeling bloated or constipated. 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. 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. And another study on young women with PMS found that supplementing with calcium for three months improved fatigue, appetite, and mood changes. But for some menstruators, an impending visit from Aunt Flo can make them feel like they're coming down with something along the lines of the flu. Research also suggests that progesterone might affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). Studies also point to the positive effects of consuming increased amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 on premenstrual symptoms. So what's really going on with your body? Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? We created Right as Rain to serve as a resource to connect you with health and wellness information you can trust from researchers, healthcareproviders and faculty from UW Medicine and the University of Washington. 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. However, its still important to be aware of its symptoms and potential relevance to your own individual cycle. 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. Blomqvist A, Engblom D. Neural Mechanisms of Inflammation-Induced Fever. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". When prostaglandins work locally on the uterus, a . Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. Villarreal says that for some, their pain might be bad enough to need medication to manage it. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. Dizziness. Some people will experience these flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to their period, while others will experience them the. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. Before chalking up your symptoms to period flu, consider whether there might be something else going on. 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. When too many prostaglandins find their way into your bloodstream when the uterine wall breaks down. 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. If youre feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

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