Many individuals experience flu-like symptoms around their menstrual period, often called “period flu.” While not an official medical diagnosis, these symptoms are a recognized part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal fluctuations cause these uncomfortable feelings, which can mimic a viral infection but are not contagious. This experience can range from mild discomfort to symptoms that significantly affect daily life.
Hormonal Influences on Your Body
Flu-like symptoms during menstruation involve hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Cells in the lining of the uterus release prostaglandins just before and during a period. These substances help the uterus contract to shed its lining, causing cramping pains. When released in excess, prostaglandins can enter the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation and pain throughout the body. This can lead to symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, and a low-grade fever.
Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, the primary hormones regulating the menstrual cycle, influence the body’s immune and central nervous systems. After ovulation, if pregnancy does not occur, levels of both hormones drop sharply. This decline can affect the immune system’s response, leading to increased inflammation and a temporary reduction in its ability to fight off infections. Changes in progesterone may also influence brain neurotransmitters, contributing to fatigue, malaise, and general discomfort.
Recognizing and Managing Symptoms
Common flu-like symptoms associated with a period include fatigue, body aches, headaches, nausea, dizziness, chills, and a general feeling of being unwell. Some individuals may also experience digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation, a sore throat, or low-grade fever. These symptoms typically appear in the days leading up to menstruation and subside once the period begins, usually within one to three days.
Managing these discomforts involves self-care strategies. Getting adequate rest and staying well-hydrated can help reduce fatigue and headaches. Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the lower abdomen or back can alleviate muscle pain and cramping. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage aches, pains, and reduce low-grade fever. Engaging in gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can improve physical symptoms and overall well-being.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While experiencing flu-like symptoms with your period is common, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable in certain situations. If you have a persistent high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), severe symptoms that significantly disrupt your daily life, or symptoms that seem unrelated to your menstrual cycle, seek medical attention. It is important to differentiate typical period-related symptoms from an actual infection like influenza or COVID-19.
True infections often present with distinct respiratory symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat, which are less common with period-related discomfort. If your flu-like symptoms persist beyond the end of your period, or if they include symptoms like chest discomfort or a higher fever, it is a good idea to get evaluated by a doctor. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and rule out any other underlying conditions.