Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs the Period Flu Real?SymptomsCausesTreatmentPreventionWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is the Period Flu Real?
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
If you often feel sick before you get yourperiod, you may be experiencing what’s informally known as the period flu. The word “flu” is used because symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain, along with other physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that are typically associated withpremenstrual syndrome(PMS).
This article will explain what period flu is, its symptoms, duration, and treatments. It will also point out when you should see a healthcare provider.
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“Period flu” is not a medical term. It describes various flu-like symptoms that some people experience before their period. These fluctuating symptoms are not in your head and their impact on your life can be significant.
Documenting your menstrual cycles and the symptoms you experience throughout the month can help you and your healthcare provider determine whether you have the period flu.
In some cases, your practitioner may want to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms during your menstrual cycle, such aspremenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) andirritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
PMDD vs. PMS: When Physical and Mental Symptoms Aren’t Normal
Period Flu Symptoms
Period flu symptoms vary. They can be hardly noticeable, mildly inconvenient, or severe. These symptoms can begin anywhere from a week or two before the first day of your period,and typically resolve within four days after your period starts.
Common symptoms include:
What Causes Period Flu?
The exact cause of period flu is unclear.These flu-like symptoms are hypothesized to be the result of hormonal fluctuations that take place during the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone may also play a role as a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain. For example, a drop in progesterone levels may affect your brain’s ability to modulate other chemicals related to how you feel, like serotonin (known as the “feel-good” hormone).
Hormonal Change Theory ExplainedIn the latter stage of your menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, your body releases an egg from an ovary. This is known as ovulation. If your egg isn’t fertilized, the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone drop sharply as your egg begins disintegrating and your uterine lining begins shedding. This hormonal drop is what’s typically associated with the flu-like symptoms.
Hormonal Change Theory Explained
In the latter stage of your menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, your body releases an egg from an ovary. This is known as ovulation. If your egg isn’t fertilized, the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone drop sharply as your egg begins disintegrating and your uterine lining begins shedding. This hormonal drop is what’s typically associated with the flu-like symptoms.
Other theories on the potential causes of PMS include:
Treating Period Flu
Treatment options for PMS, which may include symptoms described as period flu, include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PMS/PMDDResearch suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may help with PMS or PMDD. One 2019 study showed that the benefits of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce the symptoms of PMDD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PMS/PMDD
Research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may help with PMS or PMDD. One 2019 study showed that the benefits of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce the symptoms of PMDD.
Lifestyle Choices and Prevention
Certain lifestyle choices can help prevent the emotional and physical impact of PMS.Generally speaking, any lifestyle choice that helps you stay healthy and avoid bloating, an upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep disturbance is helpful.
Specific lifestyle suggestions for coping with the period flu include:
If your symptoms are consistently severe and/or have a disabling effect on your mental health, contact your healthcare professional. You may be dealing with PMDD. While less common than PMS, PMDD is a serious problem for 3% to 8% of all girls and women who experience PMS.
In addition, your provider may want to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as digestive or gynecological problems.
Summary
While period flu is not an official diagnosis, the symptoms—which include flu-like symptoms such as body aches and digestive problems—can be disabling. They often exist in conjunction with PMS or PMDD. Lifestyle strategies, medications, and psychotherapy are often helpful in preventing or reducing symptoms of period flu.
Learn MorePrimary Dysmenorrhea in Teenagers
Yes. About 33% of women experience changes in their bowels during menstruation.In most cases, this results in diarrhea, but constipation can also be a problem. Continue to follow a healthy diet and avoid cravings for foods that could irritate your bowels.Learn MoreWhen IBS and PMS Hit at the Same Time
Yes. About 33% of women experience changes in their bowels during menstruation.In most cases, this results in diarrhea, but constipation can also be a problem. Continue to follow a healthy diet and avoid cravings for foods that could irritate your bowels.
Learn MoreWhen IBS and PMS Hit at the Same Time
You’re probably not imagining it. However, your mood or mental state may affect how you feel physically around your period. Mood disorders such as depression are common just before menstruation, and there’s a link between emotional symptoms and gastrointestinal problems such as bowel disorders.Learn MoreHow to Reduce PMS Symptoms
You’re probably not imagining it. However, your mood or mental state may affect how you feel physically around your period. Mood disorders such as depression are common just before menstruation, and there’s a link between emotional symptoms and gastrointestinal problems such as bowel disorders.
Learn MoreHow to Reduce PMS Symptoms
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Premenstrual syndrome.Boston Children’s Hospital.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and causes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Premenstrual syndrome: overview.Hofmeister S, Bodden S.Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(3):236-240. PMID:27479626.Shobeiri F, Araste FE, Ebrahimi R, Jenabi E, Nazari M.Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Jan;60(1):100-105. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100Weise C, Kaiser G, Janda C, et al.Internet-based cognitive-behavioural intervention for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Psychother Psychosom. 2019;88(1):16-29. doi:10.1159/000496237.xAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Dysmenorrhea.Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K, Targownik LE.Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women.BMC Women’s Health. 2014;14(1):14. doi:10.1186%2F1472-6874-14-14
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Premenstrual syndrome.Boston Children’s Hospital.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and causes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Premenstrual syndrome: overview.Hofmeister S, Bodden S.Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(3):236-240. PMID:27479626.Shobeiri F, Araste FE, Ebrahimi R, Jenabi E, Nazari M.Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Jan;60(1):100-105. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100Weise C, Kaiser G, Janda C, et al.Internet-based cognitive-behavioural intervention for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Psychother Psychosom. 2019;88(1):16-29. doi:10.1159/000496237.xAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Dysmenorrhea.Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K, Targownik LE.Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women.BMC Women’s Health. 2014;14(1):14. doi:10.1186%2F1472-6874-14-14
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Premenstrual syndrome.Boston Children’s Hospital.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and causes.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Premenstrual syndrome: overview.Hofmeister S, Bodden S.Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(3):236-240. PMID:27479626.Shobeiri F, Araste FE, Ebrahimi R, Jenabi E, Nazari M.Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Jan;60(1):100-105. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100Weise C, Kaiser G, Janda C, et al.Internet-based cognitive-behavioural intervention for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Psychother Psychosom. 2019;88(1):16-29. doi:10.1159/000496237.xAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Dysmenorrhea.Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K, Targownik LE.Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women.BMC Women’s Health. 2014;14(1):14. doi:10.1186%2F1472-6874-14-14
Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)
American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Premenstrual syndrome.
Boston Children’s Hospital.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and causes.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Premenstrual syndrome: overview.
Hofmeister S, Bodden S.Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(3):236-240. PMID:27479626.
Shobeiri F, Araste FE, Ebrahimi R, Jenabi E, Nazari M.Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017 Jan;60(1):100-105. doi: 10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100
Weise C, Kaiser G, Janda C, et al.Internet-based cognitive-behavioural intervention for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Psychother Psychosom. 2019;88(1):16-29. doi:10.1159/000496237.x
American Academy of Family Physicians.Dysmenorrhea.
Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K, Targownik LE.Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women.BMC Women’s Health. 2014;14(1):14. doi:10.1186%2F1472-6874-14-14
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