What Is the Period Flu?

Do you start feeling sick before you get your period? You may be experiencing what’s known as the period flu. It refers to a combination of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that are typically grouped under premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

These symptoms can begin anywhere from a week or two before the first day of your period or during your period. Their severity ranges from mild to moderate to severe.

Is the Period Flu Real?

“Period flu” is not a medical term, but it describes various flu-like symptoms that some people experience before their period. The fluctuating symptoms and their impact on your life are not in your head.

A diary 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 as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and irritable bowel syndrome. 

Period Flu Symptoms

Period flu symptoms vary. They can be hardly noticeable, mildly inconvenient, or potentially impairing. 

Common symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Bloating
• Back pain
• Breast fullness, tenderness, and pain
• Digestive problems including constipation and diarrhea 
• Headaches
• Muscle or joint pain
• Problems concentrating
• Skin breakouts (acne)
• Sleep disturbances
• Water retention
• Vomiting 
• Fatigue

Causes

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. 

Research suggests that the flu-like symptoms may be caused by a person’s reaction to when progesterone is broken down and levels drop during the latter half of their 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 (a happy hormone).

Other theories on the potential causes of PMS include:

• Allergy to progesterone
• Carbohydrate metabolism changes
• Estrogen-progesterone imbalance
• Excessive aldosterone, or ADH (the hormone that helps regulate the metabolism of sodium, chloride, and potassium)
• Hyperprolactinemia (an excessive secretion of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast development)
• Retention of sodium and water by the kidneys
• Low blood sugar
• Psychogenic factors

Treatments

Treatment options for PMS, which may include symptoms described as period flu, include:

• Hormonal contraceptives: These may be prescribed to help improve hormone-related symptoms of PMS or PMDD.
• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help with psychological symptoms. Most of the time they are prescribed daily, but sometimes are limited to just two weeks before your period begins.
• Painkillers: Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce pain and aches.
• Diuretics: Water pills may be taken to help reduce bloating (water retention).
• Supplements: Calcium has been recommended, but other supplements, including vitamin D, herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort, and acupuncture, do not have enough evidence to support their recommendation.

Lifestyle Choices

It is well accepted that certain lifestyle choices can help reduce 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:

• Avoiding or reducing alcohol, caffeine, salt, and sugar intake
• Eating a balanced diet, including plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
• Exercising at least three to five times a week
• Getting adequate and good sleep and rest

A Word From Verywell

While the topic of periods has become more mainstream over the years, many of us still struggle with internalized stigma surrounding menstruation. Fear of stigma, judgment, and not being taken seriously can make it difficult to talk to others about how you’re feeling during this time, but help is available.

If you’ve noticed flu-like symptoms that are not improving with lifestyle changes, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional about strategies to reduce the impact of PMS or PMDD on your everyday life.