Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms around ovulation, sometimes called “period flu.” These sensations are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. Instead, they are the body’s physiological response to hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle. This highlights the connection between reproductive hormones and bodily functions, which can manifest as a temporary feeling of being unwell.
The Hormonal Connection to Flu-like Symptoms
Ovulation involves significant hormonal fluctuations that can lead to flu-like symptoms. Estrogen levels typically peak just before ovulation, which can trigger the release of histamine, a compound involved in immune responses. This histamine release may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Some forms of estrogen can also activate T-cells in the immune system, potentially causing muscle aches and chills.
After ovulation, a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone levels occurs. This decrease in progesterone can lead to an increase in inflammatory compounds, specifically prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like fatty acids that play a role in uterine contractions for shedding the uterine lining, but when present in higher levels, they can also cause systemic inflammation.
This inflammatory response, mediated by prostaglandins, can manifest as a low-grade fever, general malaise, body aches, headaches, and sometimes nausea or gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or constipation. Prostaglandins in the uterine lining can also increase body temperature. The overall hormonal shifts, including the drop in progesterone, can also impact neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which may influence mood and energy levels, contributing to fatigue.
Other Common Ovulation Symptoms
Beyond flu-like sensations, several other common symptoms can indicate ovulation. Many individuals experience mittelschmerz, a mild pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, typically on one side, which occurs when the ovary releases an egg. This pain can range from a slight twinge to a dull ache and usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, though it can persist for a day or two.
Changes in cervical mucus are another widely recognized sign of ovulation. As estrogen levels rise before ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, resembling raw egg whites. This consistency helps sperm travel more easily towards the egg. Some people also notice light spotting or discharge, breast tenderness, or a slight increase in basal body temperature, usually around 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit, after ovulation.
Hormonal changes during this phase can lead to an increased libido, often noted a few days before ovulation. Mood shifts, heightened senses of smell or taste, and changes in appetite or fluid retention, such as bloating, are also reported by some individuals as part of their ovulation experience.
Differentiating Ovulation Symptoms from Illness
Distinguishing between mild ovulation symptoms and a genuine illness is important. Ovulation symptoms are generally milder and cyclical, appearing around the same time each month. These symptoms are usually short-lived, resolving within one to three days. A low-grade fever might occur, but it is typically not as high or persistent as with a viral infection.
In contrast, a true illness like the flu or a cold often presents with more severe and persistent symptoms. Key indicators of an actual illness include a high fever, persistent cough, significant body aches, and symptoms that do not resolve quickly or follow a cyclical pattern.
If symptoms are severe, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), intense pain, difficulty breathing, or other concerning signs such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Tracking your cycle and symptoms over several months can help identify patterns specific to your body, aiding in differentiation.