Last updated on : 05 Mar, 2024
Read time : 8 min
For some, there may be noticeable indicators that their period is due, perhaps similar to the symptoms of influenza – a contagious virus more commonly known as the flu. While this is not a confirmed medical diagnosis, this cluster of signs is often called ‘period flu’.
The phrase ‘period flu’ is not a medically recognised condition. It refers to the collection of physical indicators associated with premenstrual syndrome. Before the onset of a monthly cycle, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can manifest physiological and emotional changes. In other words, PMS is an umbrella term for physical and emotional symptoms, including those which may refer to ‘period flu’.
The luteal phase of ovulation, from ovulation to the start of menstruation, is when PMS symptoms typically occur. Many women with PMS claim that the signs usually appear around 5-7 days before their period begins and disappear once it starts.
Typically, menstrual flu persists anywhere from a few days to two weeks and worsens two days before the onset of menstruation.
Research on the exact causes behind period flu is still ongoing, but what medical professionals do know is that the most probable cause is the hormonal changes that happen in your cycle. PMS doesn’t have a single cause – period flu being just one of the possible effects.
Period flu has been linked to fluctuations in certain hormones and neurotransmitters, according to a 2022 review by scientists. They believe that female sex hormones like estrogen and serotonin may cause symptoms like fatigue.
Further research is required to understand how these substances interact and affect the body.
On top of its impact on serotonin, a decrease in estrogen causes the brain to produce norepinephrine, resulting in a lack of vital neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine. These deficiencies can lead to various PMS issues, like sleep disruption and exhaustion.
Gastrointestinal issues, such as cramps, pain, and diarrhoea, often reported during the period, may be attributed to an influx of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances at their highest concentration during menstruation and trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system.
Period flu has been connected to life decisions. Eating a lot of processed items, too much sugar, deep-fried foods, alcohol and caffeine, and also things like bad sleep habits and not getting regular exercise can lead to symptoms of period flu, according to existing research.
The period flu can cause many unpleasant symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome, including bloating, tenderness of the breasts, lightheadedness, gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhoea, cravings for food, headaches, and increased sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights. You might also experience body aches during the period, cold before the period, and cold during the period.
Several straightforward lifestyle modifications may help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Evidence suggests that these adjustments include:
Preliminary studies indicate that following a diet high in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, fruits, nuts, and seeds – like the Mediterranean diet – may assist in relieving period flu symptoms. Of course, more research is necessary to draw a definitive conclusion.
It is worth considering adding calcium-rich items to your diet, such as dairy products, and taking 1,000 mg of calcium daily. It has been proven to alleviate PMS symptoms, like fatigue, changes in hunger, and even depression.
This vegan multivitamin supplement, tailored explicitly for women 18 and older, is a great way to ensure you get the nutrients necessary for a fully balanced diet.
This multivitamin has a lot of great features! It’s vegan-friendly and free from gluten, common allergens, and artificial colours. Plus, it contains nine essential nutrients, and the company is fully transparent about its sourcing. To top it off, the multivitamin has been clinically tested and verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Too much caffeine may add to the agitation and restlessness that many people who experience symptoms of period flu feel.
Alcohol consumption may cause fluctuations in sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and gonadotropin (hormones helpful for growth, sexual development and reproduction) during your menstrual cycle, increasing the risk of PMS and period flu.
Salt is one of the primary dietary sources of sodium and can be widely found in pre-packaged meals, ramen, condiments, bread, cured meats and other processed foods. Limiting salt consumption can help prevent water retention and bloating before a menstrual cycle.
Make sure you stay hydrated! Staying hydrated can help lessen women’s cramps and discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Studies suggest that drinking 1.6 to 2 litres of water every day can result in shorter menstrual cycles and less need for medication, implying a decrease in menstrual discomfort.
Studies indicate that physical activity can be highly beneficial, for instance, low-intensity aerobic activities like walking, jogging, yoga and weightlifting. Engaging in physical activity can help alleviate the effects of PMS, such as moodiness and sleeplessness.
Sticking to a sleep schedule and ensuring you get good rest is essential. Try to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night to decrease stress levels and reduce the effects of fatigue.
According to research, if lifestyle modifications don’t improve the severity of period flu symptoms, the following additional treatments might help.
Takeaway Message
Influenza, the virus causing the seasonal flu, is distinct from period flu. Still, some individuals may suffer from similar flu-like symptoms before periods such as headache, fever, digestive discomfort, and exhaustion. Additionally, the symptoms of period flu tend to be similar to PMS and start after ovulation and just before the start of the period.
Generally speaking, the menstrual flu is usually nothing to be concerned about. There is no remedy for it; however, you can address the symptoms with hormone therapy, analgesics, and lifestyle changes, to name a few.
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Frequently asked questions
It’s a commonly accepted phenomenon that premenstrual symptoms, such as nausea, body aches before period, feel cold during period or fever, are often likened to the flu – so much so that it is often referred to as the ‘period flu’. These symptoms typically begin a few days before and last until the end of the period, making it difficult to live an everyday life.
The period flu, which typically manifests during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, seldom lasts over two weeks. Its signs and symptoms may start around ovulation and should subside after the period, often disappearing entirely by the end.
For some women, discomfort or pain may start before or when their period begins each month. For others, these sensations may begin after ovulation – usually around 10 to 16 days before the start of the period, depending on the individual’s menstrual cycle.
PMS and menstruation-related symptoms such as fever and chills aren’t always classified as official medical conditions, but they can still significantly affect many women’s lives.
Many young women tend to vomit or feel close to vomiting before or during their period. Hormones are most likely the source of this, and the feeling usually dissipates after a day or two. Taking over-the-counter pain medications and heating pads may help some girls combat nausea associated with period cramps.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication or dietary supplements mentioned in this article.
References
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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