How Period Flu Can Impact Your Professional and Personal Life

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URL: https://www.truemeds.in/blog/how-period-flu-can-impact-your-professional-and-personal-life

How Period Flu Can Impact Your Professional and Personal Life

Period flu refers to flu-like symptoms some women experience before menstruation. While not a medically recognised condition, it is often linked to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a common condition that affects many women of reproductive age [4].

What Is Period Flu?

The phrase ‘period flu’ is not a medically recognised condition. It is a colloquial term that refers to the collection of physical indicators associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS causes predictable changes in the body and mood before a period. The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which spans from ovulation to the start of menstruation, is when PMS symptoms typically occur. Many women with PMS claim that the signs usually appear around 5 to 7 days before their period begins and disappear once it starts [4].

Typically, these PMS symptoms persist anywhere from a few days to two weeks and often worsen in the two days immediately preceding the onset of menstruation.

Causes of Period Flu

Research on the exact causes behind PMS (often referred to as period flu) is still ongoing, but what medical professionals do know is that it is primarily linked to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle.

Some studies suggest that fluctuations in hormones, particularly a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone after ovulation, may contribute to these flu-like symptoms [2]. Additionally, changes in brain chemicals like serotonin may play a role in symptoms such as fatigue and mood changes [4]. Further research is required to fully understand how these substances interact and affect the body.

Gastrointestinal issues like cramps and bloating may also occur due to increased levels of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances are released in the uterus before menstruation and can affect the body’s muscles and gut, potentially leading to increased cramps, pain, and diarrhoea [4].

Symptoms of Period Flu

The symptoms described as period flu can cause many unpleasant symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome, including:

Bloating

Tenderness of the breasts

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhoea

Food cravings

Headaches

Increased sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights

Generalised body aches

Feeling cold or experiencing chills

Lifestyle Adjustments to Help Manage PMS Symptoms

Several lifestyle modifications may help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Evidence suggests that these adjustments may include:

1. Eating a Balanced Diet

Preliminary studies indicate that following a diet high in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, fruits, nuts, and seeds – such as the Mediterranean diet – may assist in relieving the severity of PMS symptoms [1]. While promising, more high-quality research is necessary to draw a definitive conclusion on its efficacy for all individuals.

Some research suggests that adding calcium-rich items to your diet, such as dairy products, and considering a daily intake of up to 1,000 mg of calcium may help support comfort during PMS symptoms like fatigue, changes in hunger, and even mood changes [2].

2. Essentials Multivitamin For Women

This vegan multivitamin supplement, tailored explicitly for women 18 and older, is a great way to ensure you get the nutrients necessary for a fully balanced diet.

This multivitamin has a lot of great features! It’s vegan-friendly and free from gluten, common allergens, and artificial colours. Plus, it contains nine essential nutrients, and the company is fully transparent about its sourcing. To top it off, the multivitamin has been clinically tested and verified by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).

2. Reducing Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Too much caffeine may contribute to the agitation and restlessness that many people who experience PMS symptoms feel.

Alcohol consumption may cause temporary fluctuations in sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and gonadotropin (hormones helpful for growth, sexual development, and reproduction) during your menstrual cycle, which may potentially increase the severity of PMS symptoms for some individuals [4].

3. Limiting Sodium Intake

Salt is one of the primary dietary sources of sodium and can be widely found in pre-packaged meals, condiments, bread, cured meats, and other processed foods. Limiting sodium consumption can help prevent water retention and bloating before a menstrual cycle [4].

4. Staying Hydrated

Make sure you stay hydrated! Staying hydrated can help lessen women’s cramps and discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Studies suggest that drinking adequate amounts of water, potentially ranging from 1.6 to 2 litres every day, may be associated with a decrease in menstrual discomfort and a reduced need for pain medication in those with primary dysmenorrhea [3].

5. Increasing Physical Activity

Studies indicate that regular physical activity can be highly beneficial for managing PMS. Engaging in low-to-moderate intensity aerobic activities like walking, jogging, yoga, and weightlifting may help alleviate the effects of PMS, such as moodiness and sleeplessness [4].

6. Improving Sleep Quality

Sticking to a sleep schedule and ensuring you get consistent, quality rest is essential. Aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to decrease stress levels and reduce the effects of fatigue.

Conclusion

Period flu is a colloquial term for the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms some people experience, and it is distinct from the seasonal flu caused by a virus. While some symptoms—like headache, fatigue, or stomach discomfort—can be similar, they are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations leading up to menstruation. Symptoms of period flu tend to start after ovulation and just before the start of the period. If your symptoms are severe or significantly disrupt your life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to have period flu during a period?

It’s a commonly accepted phenomenon that premenstrual symptoms, such as nausea, body aches, chills, or a feverish feeling, are often likened to the flu, so much so that the term ‘period flu’ is used. These symptoms typically begin a few days before and may persist until the period starts or shortly after, occasionally making it difficult to maintain normal daily activities.

How long does the period flu last?

The symptoms associated with the period flu typically manifest during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle and seldom last over two weeks. Its signs and symptoms may start around ovulation and should subside after the period begins, often disappearing entirely by the end.

How do I know if what I have is period flu?

For some women, discomfort or pain may start before or when their period begins each month. For others, these sensations may begin after ovulation—usually around 10 to 16 days before the start of the period, depending on the individual’s menstrual cycle. If these symptoms are predictable, recurring, and resolve when your period starts, they are likely related to PMS (or “period flu”).

Can period flu cause fever?

While classic, high-grade fever and chills aren’t typically classified as official symptoms of PMS, some individuals report a subjective feeling of being feverish or experiencing chills. If a true fever is present, it is essential to consult a physician to rule out an underlying illness [4].

How do I know if my period is making me sick?

Many women tend to experience nausea or feel close to vomiting before or during their period. Hormones and prostaglandins are most likely the source of this, and the feeling usually dissipates after a day or two. Taking over-the-counter pain medications and using heating pads may help combat nausea associated with period cramps. If nausea or vomiting is severe or lasts longer than a couple of days, seek medical advice.

References

[1] Kwon, Y.-J., Sung, D.-I., & Lee, J.-W. (2022). Association among premenstrual syndrome, dietary patterns, and adherence to Mediterranean diet. Nutrients, 14(12), 2460. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122460

[2] Yonkers, K. A., O’Brien, P. M. S., & Eriksson, E. (2008). Premenstrual syndrome. Lancet, 371(9619), 1200–1210. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(08)60527-9

[3] Torkan, B., Mousavi, M., Dehghani, S., Hajipour, L., Sadeghi, N., Ziaei Rad, M., & Montazeri, A. (2021). The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01184-2

[4] Gudipally, P. R., & Sharma, G. K. (2023). Premenstrual Syndrome. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560698/

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