Everything You Need to Know About Period Flu

If you often feel sick before you get your period, 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 with premenstrual 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.

Is the Period Flu Real?

“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 as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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 or during your period.

Common symptoms 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 a drop in progesterone levels during the latter half of 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).

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) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be used to reduce pain and aches.
• Diuretics: Water pills may be taken to help reduce bloating (water retention).
• Supplements: Calcium is often 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 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:

• 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
• Quitting smoking

When to See a Healthcare Provider

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.