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. 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. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. Another potential treatment option is taking diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills. Premenstrual syndrome. Flu symptoms & complications. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The thought of getting Parkinsons when youre young can be scary. OTC drugs may clear up diarrhea or nausea. Home remedies and lifestyle treatment for period flu, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Take them as soon as you start bleeding or whenever you begin to have cramps. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Many doctors consider period flu as an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) due to the severity of its symptoms. Focusing on the root cause may not lead to immediate relief, but it's critical if you want to work on prevention. 2014;8(4):74-79. 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. Well, you dont actually have the influenza virus, but your body is mimicking similar symptoms. When your PMS symptoms feel like the flu, and your actual period somehow feels worse its time for a change. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2016;3(1):25-27. doi:10.1080/23328940.2015.1130520. New Opioid Vaccines Could Reduce Overdose and Save Lives, Yes, Pelvic Prolapse Is Common After Birth. 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. Take antidiarrheal medications. Premenstrual syndrome and comorbid depression among medical students in the internship stage: a descriptive study. Continue for about 15 minutes. In sum, the cause of period flu is likely a combination of the following factors: Hormonal fluctuations, specifically the drop in progesterone. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. 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. Generally, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine and salt can help reduce period flu symptoms. She's written for many online publications, including Health, Prevention, Women's Health, What To Expect, and Apartment Therapy. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile tea may also help. Prostaglandins are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body much like hormones. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Period-flu symptoms tend to vary from person to person. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780, womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome. Should You Eat Based On Your Menstrual Cycle? The influenza virus that causes the flu is not the same as the period flu. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Premenstrual Syndrome: Overview. These aren't the only strange symptoms you might notice before your period. They are also used by the body to fight infections, and play a role in symptoms like fever. Experts believe that changes in the levels of certain chemicals in your body during or before your period have a link to premenstrual symptoms. The period flu mimics symptoms of the flusuch as headache, sore throat, and muscle achesnear your period. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. Dont smoke, and limit how often you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these may trigger some of the symptoms. Since it's so poorly understood, you may not even know the symptoms you've been experiencing have a name. If you notice this, get help right away or head to the nearest hospital. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. Digestive problems including constipation or diarrhoea. These symptoms all point to the common flu illnesses you know. "All of these symptoms can be [due to] lots of things. For others, these symptoms may begin after they ovulate. But for some people, that time of the month can include symptoms that feel like an actual illness. Not to further complicate things, but symptoms of early pregnancy can also be similar to symptoms of period flu, Dr. Wider says. 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. In actuality, the "period flu" is not a real medical condition. . 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. Jo J, Lee SH. How Young Is Too Young to Get Parkinson's Disease? Progesterone is another hormone that increases right before a menstrual period. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News. 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. "And if thats persistent, you should get that checked out.". Before your period, their levels increase and can cause an inflammatory response. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The body produces prostaglandins in the areas where injury or illness occurs. If youre feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Prostaglandins and Period Flu . Exercise is another powerful home remedy for relieving period-related symptoms. If you get periods, you know about pre-menstrual 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. 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. 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. Here are some things you can do to ease your symptoms: Here are some things you can start doing to improve your periods and prevent, or at least reduce, those icky period flu symptoms during your next cycle: Some discomfort during your period is normal, but symptoms that interfere with your daily activities should be discussed with your healthcare provider. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. Why Is It So Hard for Black Women to Get Diagnosed with Endometriosis? It is not as same as having actual flu. If you think you might be pregnant, the best way to distinguish between the two is with a pregnancy test, Dr. Wider says. 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. It can be a little tricky, Dr. Wider says. If you cant take NSAIDs, try an OTC acetaminophen product. 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. Diarrhea during your period is a sign that you have too many prostaglandins. 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. Some recent studies have shown that for some, period cramps can be at the same intensity of pain associated with a heart attack.. The period flu isnt a legit medical term, but it sure does sum up how crummy some people feel during their period. Your hormones shift dramatically between ovulation and your period, as you saw above. For people with primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help treat the pain. Your period marks the beginning of your follicular phase, which is when your body gets ready to release an egg from your ovary. Dizziness. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. Period flu is real in the sense that people experience it and have given it a name, but its not the flu, its not contagious, and it isnt an illness with a medical definition. (Theyre even available at your local drugstore now!) Prostaglandins also cause strong muscle contractions in the uterus that lead to pain, discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea among some women. But putting it all together isn't always easy. All rights reserved. People can be irritable or depressed to the point of being suicidal, or may have panic attacks or fatigue. They also use medications to block the effects of prostaglandins. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pain from a disorder in your reproductive organs. "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. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. The most important thing is that if you are suffering, there are many treatments ranging in types, risks and benefits, so talk to your provider candidly if you are struggling, says Villarreal. Generally, the "period flu" isn't something you should worry about too much, especially if you're noticing a monthly pattern with your symptoms. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Read More 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. Select Region. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All rights reserved. The sorts of things you might mistake for being full-on sick. And period flu's symptoms (many of which are the same as those of PMS) normally ease off a few days after your period starts, says Christine Greves, M.D., board-certified ob-gyn at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. This is because the pill prevents ovulation, which in turn helps to keep your hormone levels steady. Dull, continuous ache. "Off-label use" is when healthcare providers prescribe medicines that treat symptoms beyond their intent. Dr. Dweck also points out that often times women with pre-existing conditions, like autoimmune issues or rheumatoid arthritis, will even experience exacerbation or a flare-up of their symptoms just before their periodand then things get better after they menstruate. 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. Premenstrual syndrome - self-care. Blomqvist A, Engblom D. Neural Mechanisms of Inflammation-Induced Fever. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. If you dont use a hormonal method, starting one could help to tame some of your symptoms. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I know that just telling you to sleep more isn't helpful if you struggle with insomnia or your sleep patterns are off. 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. 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. They may run some tests to rule out other medical issues that may be causing these symptoms. In fact, the influenza virus, which causes the contagious respiratory illness, doesn't actually cause the period flu. Period flu isnt a medical term, but it can describe the intense sickness some people get around their period. Bipolar Disord. Women typically get a few signs that their period is about to start. 2800 N 6th St Unit 1 PMB 953 Saint Augustine FL 32084, Get Your FREE Hormone Starter Kit with7 Day Meal Plan & Recipe Guide. Here are some ways you can find relief for your period flu symptoms. Period flu symptoms are similar to PMS and start after ovulation and before your period. Office on Women's Health. While prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contraction (aka menstrual cramps), they also affect the bowels. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. If your symptoms are very bad, you may take NSAIDs and birth control pills together. Get a massage. Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. Those conditions sound (and are) painful, but just because youre having severe PMS and period symptoms doesnt necessarily mean you have secondary dysmenorrhea. Prostaglandins. (2018). The feelings of malaise and pain may kick in just before or at the time you start your period each month. 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,. This is because before your period, progesterone levels drop dramatically. "So that precipitous decline, particularly in estrogen, is what causes a lot of the symptoms.". She has a masters degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. With a few lifestyle changes to address inflammation and hormone balance, you can take charge of your health and feel like yourself again. Your period could be responsible for causing your fever if you're having one of these symptoms: Headache Sore throat Vomiting or stomach pain What are the symptoms of period flu? Another thing to discuss with your doctor is whether a change in birth control could help. In addition to decreasing progesterone levels, another potential cause of flu-like symptoms around your period is the impact of prostaglandins. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. A study published in 2016 found that prostaglandins can affect neurons in the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates your body temperature. Kiarra King, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist from Oak Park, Illinois. They're fatty acids that collect in the uterus and help shed its lining during your period. National Library of Medicine. (Gentle reminder: You need a flu shot to prevent that.) 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. 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. the pill) is another option for relieving flu-like symptoms around your period. "Some people describe these symptoms as diarrhea and nausea because there's hypermobility of the bowels, lethargy, cramps, and lower back pain. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Khayat S, Kheirkhah M, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Fanaei H, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. One of the best ways to get some relief from period flu is by taking over-the-counter painkillers. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. 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. The duration of period flu or flu-like symptoms around your period can vary among individuals. 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. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. Some evidence suggests that herbs and supplements may relieve PMS symptoms. In other words, theres no period flu diagnosis you could get from a doctor. The wild ride caused by hormones can vary greatly from one person to another. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. If you track your period and tend to know when its about to start, consider taking a Motrin the day before. 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. Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. Vaghela N, Mishra D, Sheth M, Dani VB. Jo J, Lee SH. What is period flu? As with PMS, hormone therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, among others, can reduce and prevent period flu symptoms. Some women get intense symptoms, while others may experience more mild variations. "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.
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