Are headaches, digestive issues common during menstrual cycle? Here is what you need to know about period flu.
Period pain is different for different women. For some it can be debilitating, while not so much for others. Part from the regular pain, do you als feel feverish, or suffer with intense headache and flu like symptoms when on your period cycle? This is what experts refer as ‘period flu’.The menstrual cycle is a complex process that can affect the body in different ways, some of which are not well known. One of such conditions is period flu, where women experience flu like symptoms during the period or days close to it. Although not all women suffer from period flu, those who do, find it quite uncomfortable.
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What is Period Flu?
According to Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Director of Bloom IVF India, President of IVF Society of India (ISAR), period flu refers to a group of symptoms similar to those associated with influenza but related to the menstrual cycle. These usually manifest during the last part of the menstrual cycle, which is also called luteal phase or while on the period. The intensity as well as duration of these symptoms may differ, even though they are not caused by actual viral infection they can be disabling in equal measure.
Hormonal fluctuations are behind most of these symptoms and cases of period flu. There is always an increase or decrease on estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle. Consequently, the immune system response slows down rendering it ineffective against either bacteria or viral infections hence causing flu like symptoms. Besides that, prostaglandins which help contract womb tend to cause inflammation as well as pain in other parts of the body.
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Period Flu Symptoms
- Fatigue and Weakness: Fatigue is probably the most common symptom of period flu. It can be so heavy that even after a full night’s sleep, women will feel extremely tired and struggle to do their daily chores. Energy levels could be affected by hormonal changes and in turn cause exhaustion due to reduced estrogen and progesterone.
- Muscle Pains and Joint Aches: Similar to those experienced during flu, some ladies report muscle strains or joint aches when menstruating. Muscles could hurt on account of the presence of prostaglandins which facilitate uterine contractions during the menstrual cycle.
- Headaches and Migraines: Women experience headaches or migraines just before or during their menstrual periods. These can range from mild to severe but tremendously affect one’s day-to-day life. Menstrual migraines as well as tension headaches are mainly triggered by the decrease in estrogen levels prior to periods.
- Feeling Feverish: This entails feeling like one has a fever accompanied with chills, hot flashes, increased body temperature, etc., as reported by some females. Such temperature disturbances may occur due to hormonal fluctuations where individuals undergo sensations similar to those of low-grade fevers.
- Nausea and Digestive Issues: Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive disturbances are typical occurrences during the monthly cycle and can mimic gastrointestinal flu symptoms. Prostaglandins that cause contractions in the uterus can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in nausea and alterations in bowel movements, explained Dr. Nandita Palshetkar.
- Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes: Another less common but notable symptom is a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes which can make swallowing difficult and resemble the start of a cold. The immune system may be suppressed temporarily at some stages of menstrual cycle thus making minor infections and inflammation occur quite easily.
- Mood Swings and Irritability: Emotional problems such as mood swings, irritability even depression is common with physical discomforts of period flu being more severe than usual. Mood changes caused by fluctuations in hormone levels particularly low serotonin levels similar to those experienced when having the flu.
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How to Manage Period Flu?
Though period flu is uncomfortable, there are things one can do to manage its symptoms:
- Rest and Hydration: Make sure you get a lot of sleep and drink plenty of fluids so that the body can withstand fatigue and other signs.
- Heat Therapy: You can either use a heating pad or take warm baths which will help ease the pain from muscle aches as well as cramps.
- Balanced Diet: Symptoms could be managed by consumption of adequate food groups exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stress Management: To reduce stress levels as well as improve mood, you may practice yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
Should the symptoms become severe, persist beyond one’s regular period cycle or considerably disrupt your daily life, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Period flu is real but widely misunderstood condition that affects many women during their periods. Knowing what brings about symptoms might be helpful in dealing with them effectively hence improving overall health.
