2021;18(15):7832. doi:10.3390/ijerph18157832. Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: February 11, 2022Last Reviewed: February 12, 2022 Period Leave a Comment. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. 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.'". 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. They can help you figure out if you might be experiencing one of the conditions above and prescribe an appropriate treatment. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Research on the impact of certain foods and nutrients on PMS symptoms suggests a healthy diet primarily consisting of unprocessed foods is one of the best ways to ward off uncomfortable period-related conditions. Theyre also designed to cut down prostaglandin production. There's no cure for the period flu. Or you may feel like you're about to get the flu. Increased progesterone. Barcikowska Z, Rajkowska-Labon E, Grzybowska ME, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, Zorena K. Inflammatory Markers in Dysmenorrhea and Therapeutic Options. Perimenopause can happen years before your period stops, and it can include hot flashes, mood swings, and heavier, lighter, or irregular periods. Get the real-time accuracy Mira has to offer and reach your fertility goals. Your uterine lining thickens, and estrogen continues to rise until, An egg is released mid-cycle, usually at the halfway point, and this is, The second half of your cycle is called the luteal phase. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. Once your period starts, dysmenorrheacan cause headaches, diarrhea and a general feeling of malaise. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Below, doctors weigh in on this period phenomenon and how to Get. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780, womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome. It's also important to mention that the more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), can also share some of the same symptoms. Take antidiarrheal medications. We avoid using tertiary references. If you dont use a hormonal method, starting one could help to tame some of your symptoms. Its possible to get treatment for severe period symptoms. 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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Talking with your healthcare professional can help you differentiate what's going on, especially if you are really struggling (you don't have to!). Symptoms of menstrual cramps include: Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense. With a few lifestyle changes to address inflammation and hormone balance, you can take charge of your health and feel like yourself again. 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. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. Use birth control pills. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. Since it's so poorly understood, you may not even know the symptoms you've been experiencing have a name. 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. While you might know that inflammation isn't great for your overall health, it's also critical to get it under control if you are experiencing period flu or PMS. There are a few potential hacks you can try, according to womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Women who are on birth control don't notice any major changes during their period. Bipolar Disord. In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. So you can just blame the hormonal rollercoaster that is PMS until there's more conclusive science on this. Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. (called prostaglandins), may enhance flu-like symptoms in some women. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The feelings of malaise and pain may kick in just before or at the time you start your period each month. Like PMS, the period flu typically strikes at the same point during your menstrual cycle: after ovulation and before your period. Focusing on the root cause may not lead to immediate relief, but it's critical if you want to work on prevention. Treatments for period flu are similar to those for PMS. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start . Already. In addition to heavy muscle pain, cramping, bloating, and headaches, individuals with PMDD may also experience more mood-related symptoms in the days or weeks before their period. Prostaglandins and Period Flu . Sweating at night or when you otherwise wouldnt expect to feel hot. "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. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is another condition associated with periods and PMS, but its main feature is changes in mood. I know that just telling you to sleep more isn't helpful if you struggle with insomnia or your sleep patterns are off. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. Otherwise, doctors arent entirely sure what exactly causes these symptoms. (Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.) . "So that precipitous decline, particularly in estrogen, is what causes a lot of the symptoms.". Zinat G,Fedieh H,Mamak S,Abbas RF,Maryam A. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). All rights reserved. When estrogen and progesterone levels shift in the second half of your cycle, you can feel more tired and not sleep as well. Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V. Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder. These hormones help your uterine lining shed and cause cramps. It's common for women to experience flu-like symptoms and even a fever between ovulation and the start of their period. Some recent studies have shown that for some, period cramps can be at the same intensity of pain associated with a heart attack.. Still, healthcare providers may use the same tools that usually diagnose PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. 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. You are not alone. However, an overproduction of prostaglandins exacerbates the body's inflammatory response, explains Dr. Gersh, and that's not great when it comes to PMS. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When menstruation begins, both Dr. Dweck and Dr. Minkin generally see their patients' symptoms dissipate. 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. "For women who experience a lot of symptoms around their period, [hormonal birth control can] allow them to be able to go to work and do all of the lifestyle things they want. The period flu mimics symptoms of the flusuch as headache, sore throat, and muscle achesnear your period. .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. Dysmenorrhea, the correct term for painful periods, can be treated with the help of your doctor. And if your hormones are already out of balance, as seen with estrogen dominance, this can only make things worse. Bae J, et al. During your period, prostaglandins trigger muscles in your uterus to contract. Try heat therapy. 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. (2011). 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. It can also lead to headaches. Association between generalized anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a diagnostic interviewing study. Symptoms usually resolve one to two days after your next period starts. A quick look at the research reveals that there isn't much information about period flu (were not too shocked right?). We may earn a commission from links on this page. That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. Some women also have: Nausea. Why is my menstrual cycle getting shorter? 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. Period flu isn't a medical term;. Sadr SS, Samimi Ardestani SM, Razjouyan K, et al. There are a few things you can do to manage the flu-like symptoms. As a licensed naturopathic physician who is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology, she takes an integrative approach in her clinical practice. If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms. 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. Early symptoms of pregnancy and PMS cause many of the same symptoms, like nausea, bloating, fatigue, and breast swelling and tenderness.
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