Still, based on the many studies pointing toward the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, it could be a food option for relief. First of all, if your symptoms are severe, talk toa professional, such as your gynecologist. BMC Womens Health. Ginger can also help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms of PMS, as noted in several studies. . (2011). What Can I Do to Manage Period Flu Symptoms. And another study on young women with PMS found that supplementing with calcium for three months improved fatigue, appetite, and mood changes. 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? 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. 2014;16(1):22-36. doi:10.1111/bdi.12138, Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF, et al. 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. 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. If you have a period, you probably experience some discomfort and pain around your time of the month, which is totally normal. Exercise is another powerful home remedy for relieving period-related symptoms. At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. These aren't the only strange symptoms you might notice before your period. Although there's no cure, you can treat symptoms at home. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, that's a red flag that it's not just cranked-up PMS. Prostaglandins can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is when chemicals in the lining of your uterus, called prostaglandins, cause uterine cramping. 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,. 2014;8(4):74-79. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. As you get your period, prostaglandins are released. If birth control doesnt work out, surgery is a common next step for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. 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. If you notice this, get help right away or head to the nearest hospital. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A variety of symptoms, like the kind of fatigue that happens when you get the real flu, may ensue as a result. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. "Off-label use" is when healthcare providers prescribe medicines that treat symptoms beyond their intent. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lastly, healthcare providers may take a blood sample to test for other possible health conditions with similar symptoms. "If your symptoms are so bad, physically or emotionally, that theyre interrupting with your day-to-day life or interfering with your relationship, then you need to get checked out," Dr. Dweck says. I'm not saying you can't drink occasionally, but if it's become a part of your daily routine and you are struggling with not feeling well, it's time to look at how much you are drinking. Always speak with your doctor first before taking diuretics, as they may not be appropriate to take alongside other medications. One of the best ways to get some relief from period flu is by taking over-the-counter painkillers. Digestive problems including constipation or diarrhoea. In addition to medications, supportive measures like heat and massage can help ease period flu symptoms. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. 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. 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. 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. Armour M, Ee CC, Naidoo D, Ayati Z, Chalmers KJ, Steel KA, de Manincor MJ, Delshad E. Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Excess prostaglandins make their way into your bloodstream, which can. . She has a masters degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. 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. When it comes to the effectiveness of herbal supplements for treating period-related symptoms, there is limited scientific research available. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Even though chills are not listed as a common symptom of PMS, there are still many reports online of individuals who experience chills before their period. Well, you dont actually have the influenza virus, but your body is mimicking similar symptoms. But after a few days of your period, prostaglandin levels decrease so your period flu pain (should) subside. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that up-regulate inflammation in the body. There are several treatments for the period flu and general PMS symptoms, including medications, herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and heat. Dizziness. This also reduces muscle contraction. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Some of us need to cut back on sugar, while others need to bump up intake of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Estrogen levels also dip or change rapidly around this time. If you notice flu-like symptoms every month at the same time during your menstrual cycle, it's time to take a closer look. 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. Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you need to continue to take them. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Prostaglandins are also involved in many other PMS symptoms, including headaches. If medication isn't an option, these 10 natural treatments may. Gunaydin C, Bilge SS. Healthcare providers use synthetic forms of prostaglandins to treat several conditions. For many individuals, this eases luteal phase symptoms, while also making their periods lighter and less painful. 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. Premenstrual syndrome. If you are not trying to conceive (TTC), taking a hormonal contraceptive (i.e. For others, it only lasts a few days before or during their period. Premenstrual Syndrome: Overview. may occur because the immune system is reacting to higher levels of prostaglandinshormone-like substances present . 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. 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. Is there a cure for period flu? When it comes to caffeine, these beverages can actually lead to worsening anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and cramps for some people. Prostaglandins can affect various processes, including blood flow, pain, allergies, inflammation, blood clotting, and reproduction. There's no cure for the period flu. This includes extreme irritability, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic, and even suicidal thoughts. Symptoms that have been called period flu include: Some people also report an elevated temperature, runny nose, or sore throat. There are no official criteria to diagnose the period flu because it's not an actual medical condition. The symptoms of PMS vary from person to person. 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. Prostaglandins are at their highest on day one of your period, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 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. Period problems, solved: Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Gupta R, Attarian H, Jean-Louis G, McFarlane SI. But that's not all (lucky you!). These hormones help your uterine lining shed and cause cramps. Fun, right? Due to limited medical research, it is not possible to receive an official diagnosis for period flu. Get the real-time accuracy Mira has to offer and reach your fertility goals. 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. Exercise provides the natural release of feel-good endorphins and helps with the inflammation caused by the prostaglandins, explains Dr. Greves. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain and uterine contractions. What Is Period Flu? Some people will experience these flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to their period, while others will experience them the. "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. Many doctors consider period flu as an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) due to the severity of its symptoms. Doctors dont clearly understand what causes these symptoms, but hormonal changes during this time may have a role to play. If your symptoms arent too bad, consider taking an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. These chills may also be accompanied by headaches, bloating, cramping, nausea, and feeling feverish. Ahead, everything you need to know about period flu, including causes, symptoms, and how to find relief from the monthly malaise. As a licensed naturopathic physician who is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology, she takes an integrative approach in her clinical practice. It keeps everything constant," explains Dr. Shirazian. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Period Flu Might Be Why You Feel So Crappy Right Before Your Period, How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps. Elevations in progesterone followed by steep declines can also impact neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that affect your mood and energy levels. "There isn't a specific patient type that makes you more prone to the 'period flu,' but certainly, some women are more prone to feeling PMS symptoms during their period. 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. It's natural to have an uptick in inflammation during your period because prostaglandins are inflammatory hormones. he Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. While everyone who has a period is different, some symptoms are commonly shared by those who have severe symptoms. Treatment for diarrhea. Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Both could be considered in addition to the above supplements to address hormone balance to help with period flu. Read More Learn more about why it happens and how to manage symptoms. Relief. 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. Period flu isn't a medical term;. Heres what to know. A root cause approach considers why you have these symptoms in the first place instead of only addressing the symptoms. The more inflammation in the body, the more prostaglandins are present. Prostaglandins cause contractions that help your uterus shed its lining. The prostaglandins cause an inflammatory response in the body and this is why people feel flu-like." But what does that mean? Alexis Jones is an assistant editor at Women's Health where she writes across several verticals on WomensHealthmag.com, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness, while also contributing to the print magazine. "Upper-respiratory symptoms don't usually go along with your period. Theyre also designed to cut down prostaglandin production. Generally, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine and salt can help reduce period flu symptoms. 2800 N 6th St Unit 1 PMB 953 Saint Augustine FL 32084, Get Your FREE Hormone Starter Kit with7 Day Meal Plan & Recipe Guide. This is potentially a life-threatening illness. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Her advice: In other words, is period fludangerous? Hormonal birth control can also help ease pain and thin your uterine lining to lower prostaglandin production. Home remedies and lifestyle treatment for period flu, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In your blood sample, they will look at hormones like estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol. According to Dr Minkin, "prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature." . Select Region. Research has found that some of those conditions may include the following: Don't hesitate to tell a healthcare provider if period flu symptoms strike hard during each menstrual cycle or linger longer than a few days. Remember too, sometimes it is just the flu. Period flu symptoms can make it hard to function, but there are several things you can do for relief. This includes going outside for some fresh air, sipping water throughout the day, and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods. 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. Get a massage. Known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), these antidepressants are often used in patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). If youre feeling feverish, it usually means your body is fighting off a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Period flu is a collection of symptoms that manifest in many women right before they begin flowing. They can help you figure out if you might be experiencing one of the conditions above and prescribe an appropriate treatment. 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. Certain lifestyle changes and therapies can also help you prevent or at least minimize future symptoms. Ever feel like youre coming down with the flu, only to find out that its actually your period? It can also lead to headaches. And while you may feel feverish, if you have an actual temperature of 101 or 102, thats not period fluthats something else, Dr. Dweck says. There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. 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. Focusing on the root cause may not lead to immediate relief, but it's critical if you want to work on prevention. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16252. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z, Lpez-Liria R, Torres-lamo L, Vega-Ramrez FA, et al. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly, back, or thighs or wherever you feel pain or aches. .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. During your period, prostaglandins trigger muscles in your uterus to contract. We avoid using tertiary references. High levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps, and can also cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. 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. Before you do, check with your doctor to make sure thats right for you. 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. Period flu causes. The causes aren't certain, but since symptoms coincide with cycle timing, the most likely explanation is hormone fluctuations. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Office on Women's Health. 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. This could be anything from walking or swimming to cycling, jogging, or playing a sport. We think possibly some underlying diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or anatomic variants can increase pain and bleeding in some people, Villarreal says. What is period flu? Unfortunately, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and discomfort -enter the Period Flu. Period flu symptoms usually last between ovulation and the start . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I know that just telling you to sleep more isn't helpful if you struggle with insomnia or your sleep patterns are off. "But if your symptoms are alleviated with your period or if they are cyclic in nature, then it's less concerning.". At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of the public. Research also suggests that progesterone might affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy). 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. "Some people describe these symptoms as diarrhea and nausea because there's hypermobility of the bowels, lethargy, cramps, and lower back pain. Looking at the underlying root causes, such as hormone imbalances or inflammation, is vital for taking charge of symptoms. While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. These include fatigue, sleep problems, food cravings, and depression. The first day of your period is day one of your menstrual cycle. What Are Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? That said, both experts describe it as an exaggerated form (think: more intense, more flu-like) of PMS. To diagnose PMS and PMDD, healthcare providers ask about your symptoms, when they occur during your menstrual cycle, and their effect on your life. Just practice safety methods while you wait for the results, like wearing a mask when youre around others and social distancing. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. You can then share this information with your doctor and they can provide further guidance. Even if period flu isn't as commonly known as PMS, it doesn't make it less of a problem. It's common for women to experience flu-like symptoms and even a fever between ovulation and the start of their period. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea. This can cause fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. These results were from a small study, and the women took the supplements for three cycles. Staying hydrated; exercising; eating healthy foods, like whole grains and vegetables; and getting enough sleep are key. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is another condition associated with periods and PMS, but its main feature is changes in mood. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. "For the body aches and cramping, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or . It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal issues are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Sweating at night or when you otherwise wouldnt expect to feel hot. 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. 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. Pain that starts 1 to 3 days before your period, peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period and subsides in 2 to 3 days. Every body and every person is different, Villarreal says. In severe cases, a certain type of antidepressant can also be used to treat extreme symptoms. They may run some tests to rule out other medical issues that may be causing these symptoms. Still, some people have flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, digestive distress, and fatigue before their periods. 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. Because it's not well studied, it's hard to say how, if at all, period flu differs from PMS or even other period-related conditions such as premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), says Dr. Greves. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Then comes the luteal phase, when the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. When your PMS symptoms feel like the flu, and your actual period somehow feels worse its time for a change. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, progesterone might affect neurotransmitters, serotonin (which plays a role in mood and energy).
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