Period Flu: Why Women Feel So Bad Before Period

Introduction:

Period flu can persist from a few days to two weeks and is generally severe two days before the period begins. From mild to severe, symptoms might occasionally be incapacitating enough to interfere with day-to-day activities. Headache, fever, back discomfort, nausea, exhaustion, digestive issues (constipation), and joint and muscle pains are some of these symptoms. The brain releases the neurotransmitter norepinephrine when female estrogen levels are low, which results in a reduction in important brain and chemicals, including dopamine and acetylcholine. These substances may worsen symptoms of the period flu, such as tiredness and sleeplessness.

What Is Period Flu?

Some people have distinct symptoms that signal the start of their period, and these symptoms may be similar to those of influenza, an infectious viral illness sometimes referred to as the flu. Although not a formal medical diagnosis, period flu may be used to describe this set of symptoms. These flu-like symptoms resemble or overlap with a collection of symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or dysmenorrhea (painful periods).

What Are the Symptoms?

It depends largely on the individual and how their hormones make them feel. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), sometimes known as period fever, is a condition that some people suffer in the days leading up to their period. Some people feel miserable the entire time they are on their period. No particular symptoms are associated with period flu because it is not a recognized medical condition. Each person has a unique set of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Each month, the symptoms of drowsiness and soreness may begin immediately before or at the beginning of the period.

Additionally, the symptoms might encompass a wide range of situations.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation.

• Fatigue.

• Nausea.

• Headache.

• Dizziness.

• Cramping and muscular pains.

• Chills or a fever.

• Backache.

• Bloating.

What Causes Period Flu?

Premenstrual symptoms can have a variety of causes. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle are the most likely cause. According to a scientific analysis published in 2022, certain sex hormones' effects and interactions with specific neurotransmitters are considered to contribute to period flu symptoms. Estrogen and serotonin variations may also contribute to symptoms like weariness. Low estrogen levels influence serotonin levels and the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which reduces important brain chemicals, including dopamine and acetylcholine. These substances may cause flu symptoms, such as tiredness and sleeplessness.

According to some theories, gastrointestinal complaints experienced around menstruation, such as uterine contractions (cramps), pain, and diarrhea, may be the result of the immune system reacting to higher levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are present throughout the menstrual cycle but peak during menstruation and cause an inflammatory response.

Period flu has been connected to certain lifestyle choices. Period flu symptoms may be exacerbated by diets consisting of processed foods, extra sugar, fried foods, alcohol, and caffeine, and by issues with sleep hygiene and frequent physical exercise.

How Period Flu Symptoms Can Be Managed?

One can take a few actions to control the flu-like symptoms.

• Utilize Painkillers - Ibuprofen is a member of the class of over-the-counter (OTC) medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), which are effective for reducing pain during periods. Additionally, they are made to reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Take these as soon as women begin bleeding or experiencing cramps. Try an over-the-counter Paracetamol medication if they are unable to take NSAIDs.

• Birth Control Pills - Use birth control tablets. Hormonal birth control can thin the uterine lining and help manage discomfort by reducing the production of prostaglandins. This lessens muscular contraction. If their symptoms are severe, NSAIDs and birth control tablets may be taken simultaneously. Consult a doctor to ensure that it is appropriate before proceeding.

• Take Anti-Diarrhea Medicine - OTC medications may help with nausea or diarrhea.

• Heat Application - Consider using heat treatment. Anywhere women have discomfort or pain, use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the stomach, back, or thighs.

• Getting a massage might help one feel better and increase blood flow.

• Exercise - It has been shown to lessen period symptoms, including pain and cramps, both before and during the period. As smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeine may exacerbate some symptoms, refrain from doing so.

• Eat Nutritious Foods - Eating healthy is always a good idea, but in the two weeks before the period, adopting healthier decisions helps lessen premenstrual symptoms. Reduce the intake of alcohol, sweets, salt, and coffee.

• Increase Calcium Intake - Calcium may assist in lessening the intensity of premenstrual symptoms. Women can increase their diet's amount of calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement.

• Vitamin B-6 - Vitamin B-6 can assist with some period-related symptoms, such as moodiness, bloating, and irritability. B-6 can be obtained orally or through meals, including poultry, fish, fruit, and potatoes.

• Stay Hydrated - The degree of pain most individuals feel during their periods is lessened by maintaining a healthy hydration level. The study results indicate that women who drank between 1600 and 2000 milliliters of water per day experienced shorter menstrual bleeding and used fewer medicines overall.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Making lifestyle decisions might lessen PMS's effects on the body and mind. In general, adopting a healthy lifestyle is beneficial and prevents symptoms like bloating, stomach distress, mood swings, and sleep disruption.

For coping with the period flu, specific lifestyle recommendations include:

• Limiting or forgoing intake of alcohol, coffee, salt, and sugar.

• Consuming a balanced diet high in healthy grains, veggies, and fruit.

• Weekly exercise schedule of three to five times a week at a minimum.

• Obtaining sufficient and quality rest and sleep.

• Stop smoking.

Conclusion

Some people have distinct symptoms that signal the start of their period, and these symptoms may be similar to those of influenza, an infectious viral illness sometimes referred to as the flu. No particular symptoms are associated with period flu because it is not a recognized medical condition. Each person has a unique set of premenstrual symptoms.

Each month, the symptoms of drowsiness and soreness may begin immediately before or at the beginning of the period. Excessive gas and abdominal bloating are typical premenstrual symptoms. Women might lessen the pain by changing their diet, such as by avoiding foods that are known to induce gas, exercising often, and using over-the-counter drugs. To know more, consult the doctor online.