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. Learn more about why it happens and how to manage symptoms. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. 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. BMC Womens Health. If you feel like youve been hit by a truck before your period with intense mood swings to boot you might have severe PMS symptoms. Get the real-time accuracy Mira has to offer and reach your fertility goals. When menstruation begins, both Dr. Dweck and Dr. Minkin generally see their patients' symptoms dissipate. "In the mid-portion of your cycle when you ovulate, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to surge, and they decline when you do not get pregnant and get your period," Dr. Dweck explains. "Some people describe these symptoms as diarrhea and nausea because there's hypermobility of the bowels, lethargy, cramps, and lower back pain. These are hormones that help the cervix to open, but they can also cause movement in your gut (hence the diarrhea and gas). Your menstrual cycle. Period flu isn't a medical term;. Perimenopause can happen years before your period stops, and it can include hot flashes, mood swings, and heavier, lighter, or irregular periods. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that trigger the uterine muscles to contract. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. Some recent studies have shown that for some, period cramps can be at the same intensity of pain associated with a heart attack.. Youre not alone. She's written for many online publications, including Health, Prevention, Women's Health, What To Expect, and Apartment Therapy. Period flu symptoms are similar to PMS and start after ovulation and before your period. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. Many women experience nausea before their period begins. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Generally, the period flu is nothing to worry about. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. The main thing to recognize is that these symptoms occur at the same time every month and improve or disappear once your period comes. Sometimes, they also cause contractions in your intestines, which can cause a range of GI symptoms, including diarrhea.. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. This is potentially a life-threatening illness. With a few lifestyle changes to address inflammation and hormone balance, you can take charge of your health and feel like yourself again. So lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk, do some yoga, or lift some heavy weights whatever works for you. Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Preparation is key for managing and preventing some of these uncomfortable symptoms, she says. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. When prostaglandins work locally on the uterus, a . (Gentle reminder: You need a flu shot to prevent that.) Your immune system activates antibodies and other chemicals like prostaglandin to destroy the virus or bacteria. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. . 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. One reason for these symptoms is that prostaglandins are high just before and at the start of your period. Its possible to get treatment for severe period symptoms. Kiarra King, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist from Oak Park, Illinois. Luckily, "period flu" is a lot easier to treat than the real one. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. Read on to learn all about what period flu is, what it feels like, how to treat its symptoms, and when you should pay a visit to your doctors office. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea. It can also lead to headaches. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. Prostaglandins. Although its not an official medical term or related to influenza, learn how to get relief if you suffer from this premenstrual phenomenon. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. Generally, the "period flu" isn't something you should worry about too much, especially if you're noticing a monthly pattern with your symptoms. Rather, period flu is what happens when prostaglandins aka, the fatty acid compound that's responsible for dislodging your uterine lining and kick starting your period get into your blood. Period flu can be referred to the situation when prostaglandins or the fatty acid compounds responsible for dislodging the uterine wall and starting period, get into the bloodstream and begin affecting the intestine, causing flu . In sum, the cause of period flu is likely a combination of the following factors: Hormonal fluctuations, specifically the drop in progesterone. In your blood sample, they will look at hormones like estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol. If you have a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or other symptoms that look like a cold or flu, be sure to take time to rest and talk to your provider. 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. You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. Crying and feeling sad or anxious before or during your period is fairly normal, and likely due to fluctuating hormones. When too many prostaglandins find their way into your bloodstream when the uterine wall breaks down. Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you need to continue to take them. Your estrogen and progesterone levels are dropping at the same time, and there are a variety of theories about what exactly causes the worst period flu symptoms. The good news: Youre not crazy or alone period flu is definitely a thing, based on anecdotal evidence. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News. Always speak with your doctor first before taking diuretics, as they may not be appropriate to take alongside other medications. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . When it comes to caffeine, these beverages can actually lead to worsening anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and cramps for some people. 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. When you get the period flu, there are several ways you can practice good self-care and get relief. We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you are concerned that you have it, you should see a doctor or your OB/GYN to see what. 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. At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. For people with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help treat the pain. 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. They can also help to rule out the possibility that something else might be going on, like an actual infectious illness. This leads to the cramping that you may feel. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pain from a disorder in your reproductive organs. Period flu causes. 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. Once your period starts, dysmenorrheacan cause headaches, diarrhea and a general feeling of malaise. This can cause fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. Sadr SS, Samimi Ardestani SM, Razjouyan K, et al. For others, it only lasts a few days before or during their period. It can be a little tricky, Dr. Wider says. Khayat S, Fanaei H, Kheirkhah M, Moghadam ZB, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M.. Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 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.. (2018). For some . When the levels of prostaglandins are high, they can cause cramping and pain. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. "And if thats persistent, you should get that checked out.". 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,. Vaghela N, Mishra D, Sheth M, Dani VB. Those include things like abdominal cramps, headache, tender breasts, and changes, Although PMDD shares many of the same symptoms as PMS, they're usually more severe. 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. Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, et al. 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. For example, you can take a tablet every six hours as needed. Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a womens hormone expert and prominent leader in womens medicine. Try to rest when you can. Is It Normal to Cry More During Your Period. 2014;16(1):22-36. doi:10.1111/bdi.12138, Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF, et al. Not to further complicate things, but symptoms of early pregnancy can also be similar to symptoms of period flu, Dr. Wider says. Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. Period flu is a slang term for the cluster of flu-like emotions that women can sometimes experience before or during their period. Consult with your healthcare provider for options. All rights reserved. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. While prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contraction (aka menstrual cramps), they also affect the bowels. If your symptoms arent too bad, consider taking an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. They may ask you to track your symptoms daily to see what symptoms happen while ovulating and menstruating. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. PMS, as its usually known, is the collection of physical and emotional annoyances that can occur shortly before your period is due. A study published in 2016 found that prostaglandins can affect neurons in the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates your body temperature. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. The best way to figure out whats happening here isagaintake a test. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For example, chaste tree extracts, 1,0001,200 milligrams of calcium, or 50100 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily may reduce symptoms. These aren't the only strange symptoms you might notice before your period. By breaking up blood and fluid in the pelvic region, heat reduces swelling that may compress nerves and cause pelvic pain. Several medicines may treat period flu symptoms. Keep in mind that not every medicine is explicitly approved for that purpose. This can improve blood flow and give you some relief. (Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.) Why Is It So Hard for Black Women to Get Diagnosed with Endometriosis? 2021;18(15):7832. doi:10.3390/ijerph18157832. The first day of your period is day one of your menstrual cycle. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The main reason why you may feel nauseous during your period is due to prostaglandins, which are the driving force behind helping your body shed its uterine lining. Why is my menstrual cycle getting shorter? Is Antihistamine Use Making Me Gain Weight? The phenomenon of period flu has been widely discussed in magazines, blogs, and message boards and even though it isnt technically a virus or illness, it can still make you feel a bit down and icky! The wild ride caused by hormones can vary greatly from one person to another. 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. Increased progesterone. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. Before your period, prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acids, are produced to help your uterus shed its lining. These hormones help your uterine lining shed and cause cramps. If you are not trying to conceive (TTC), taking a hormonal contraceptive (i.e. Its also important to make sure that you are drinking enough water around the time of your period. From preventing bloating, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels, water will be your best friend both before and during your period. Villarreal recommends chatting with your doctor to find other options that might work better for you. Period flu is . If you have additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or sore throat, get tested for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. 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. A study in BMC Womens Health found that Increased hydration is associated with a reduction in pain for those suffering from dysmenorrhea. 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. 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. Research also suggests that progesterone might affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). It keeps everything constant," explains Dr. Shirazian. In fact, the influenza virus, which causes the contagious respiratory illness, doesn't actually cause the period flu. One of the best ways to get some relief from period flu is by taking over-the-counter painkillers. Other evidence suggests that massage therapy may relieve pelvic pain, as well. Keep it simple by examining your sleep environment (too hot or loud?) Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. It's common to feel a little more tired than usual when you're about to start your period. Well, you dont actually have the influenza virus, but your body is mimicking similar symptoms. Some people feel pain thats more sharp.. We avoid using tertiary references. Learn when to get help. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. As estrogen decreases between ovulation and the start of your period, prostaglandins increase. Before chalking up your symptoms to period flu, consider whether there might be something else going on. Period flu symptoms After ovulation, which occurs when the ovary releases an egg, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to drop. So that's definitely something you want to keep in mind. When the premenstrual syndrome symptoms become worse, it may feel as though one is actually sick. If the contractions are too strong that they may press up against surrounding blood vessels and cut off some of the oxygen supply. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. Villarreal says that for some, their pain might be bad enough to need medication to manage it. Others feel lousy throughout their period. National Library of Medicine. It's common for women to experience flu-like symptoms and even a fever between ovulation and the start of their period. This includes feelings of extreme fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and digestive issues. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Treatments for Period Flu. Women who are on birth control don't notice any major changes during their period. There are no studies that show your immune system is actually taking a hit. Its best to check with your doctor to see if any of your symptoms match up. If you regularly have flu-like symptoms around the time of your period and its affecting your quality of life, check in with your OB/GYN, a doctor who specializes in womens health, or your primary care doctor. DOI: Dennerstein L, et al. The heat helps with blood circulation and reduces fluid retention. Prostaglandins cause contractions that help your uterus shed its lining. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z, Lpez-Liria R, Torres-lamo L, Vega-Ramrez FA, et al. 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. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017. What's more, body temperature naturally increases during ovulation. Prostaglandins and Period Flu Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. It can also lead to headaches. Those conditions sound (and are) painful, but just because youre having severe PMS and period symptoms doesnt necessarily mean you have secondary dysmenorrhea. 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. Prostaglandins are fatty acids in the body that help during an injury and illness by turning certain processes "on" or "off.". Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. Continue for about 15 minutes. Prostaglandins stimulate the contracting and relaxing of the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why your period can cause changes in your bowels. These flu-like feelings are similar to or overlap with a group of symptoms doctor call dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 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. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. The bad news: Its still poorly understood and not always acknowledged in the medical community. your wind-down routine (hello screens and cell phones), and anything else that could be interfering. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. Take antidiarrheal medications. 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. 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. The role of prostaglandins during your period. The best type of hormonal birth control the pill, ring, patch, or intrauterine device (IUD) for managing period flu depends on your symptoms. "Birth control works because it stabilizes your hormones, so you don't have that LH surge or drop in progesterone levels. These molecules bind with receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls your bodys temperature. If you have a period, you probably experience some discomfort and pain around your time of the month, which is totally normal. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Doctors dont clearly understand what causes these symptoms, but hormonal changes during this time may have a role to play. Some of her clients' most common PMS complaints are all reminiscent of flu symptoms, including irritability, breast soreness, headaches, joint pain, and excessive fatigue. They also use medications to block the effects of prostaglandins. As a licensed naturopathic physician who is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology, she takes an integrative approach in her clinical practice. They are contagious and you will need to take steps to limit the spread. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. 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. Your body also produces prostaglandin in the lining of your uterus when you start your period. These chills may also be accompanied by headaches, bloating, cramping, nausea, and feeling feverish. Be sure to take the medication with food to avoid a stomach ache and, worse, ulcers. Of course, if your period flu significantly impacts your day-to-day routine, and you must miss school or work consistently, it's a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to help you feel better fast. Digestive problems including constipation or diarrhoea. Get to Know All 4 Menstrual Cycle Phases and How Each Impacts Your Mind and Body, Outsmart Your Hormones All Month Long (Plus 9 Surprising Things Making Your PMS Worse). If you dont use a hormonal method, starting one could help to tame some of your symptoms. 3d floral applique wedding dress,
