2024-02-09 21:00:04
Although it is not an official medical diagnosis, a large number of women report experiencing menstrual flu. What is it due to and how to recognize it?
Last update: February 9, 2024
Many women experience flu-like symptoms before and during their period. Nicknamed “menstrual flu,” It covers a series of discomforts such as headache, fatigue, constipation and even fever, that have nothing to do with the viral infection, but with hormonal changes.
In fact, it is not a legitimate medical term, but rather comes from popular culture. Some associate it with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but it can also affect healthy women. Why happens? What to do to mitigate it? Below, we review its potential causes and some ways to deal with it.
What is menstrual flu?
“Menstrual flu” is a colloquial term used to refer to a set of symptoms that usually appear before and during your period. It is called that because the manifestations are similar to those of a viral flu; however, it is not caused by the influenza virus.
General malaise, headaches, chills, fever and nausea initially make you think that an episode of flu is approaching. However, it takes only a few days for menstrual bleeding to begin, indicating that the symptoms are not infectious. They almost always disappear as soon as your period passes.
In the words of obstetrician and gynecologist Sara Yuen of the Cleveland Clinic, “menstrual flu it’s not the flu nor an official medical diagnosis. It is a type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause flu-like symptoms.
Even so, these symptoms can appear occasionally in healthy women without a diagnosis of PMS. It must be remembered that, although around 85% of women manifest some premenstrual symptoms, Only 20 to 40% meet the necessary criteria.
Why does menstrual flu occur?
A common question among women is “Why do I get the flu when I get my period?” Well, as we have mentioned, it is not a flu attack as such. For now, doctors and scientists have not determined with certainty what causes these symptoms or how the menstrual cycle affects the immune system.
What is clear is that it has nothing to do with the influenza virus or other germs. The most accepted hypothesis is that The hormonal fluctuations that women go through during the menstrual cycle are responsible. In particular, it is associated with the activity of estrogen and prostaglandins.
During the luteal phase of ovulation, that is, the period between ovulation and the start of menstruation (premenstrual period), estrogen levels decrease. This situation tends to increase the feeling of fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and pre-period sensitivity.
At the same time, the release of prostaglandins, molecules that act similarly to hormones, is increased. While they are necessary for uterine contractions and to shed the inner lining of the uterus, in excess they increase the body’s inflammatory response.
This is when symptoms such as menstrual cramps, nausea, diarrhea and general malaise are triggered. Besides, a slight increase in body temperature may occur, since they also intervene in the activity of the hypothalamus, known as the body’s thermostat.
Another cause associated with menstrual flu is the activity of hormones that affect brain chemistry, which also produce alterations in serotonin levels (well-being neurotransmitter). By reducing its levels, It causes a feeling of fatigue similar to that produced by the real flu.
What are the symptoms?
The clinical manifestations of menstrual flu vary from woman to woman. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or the same intensity. Some may feel discomfort seven to ten days before their period.; Others, however, suffer from it during their period. This may include the following:
- Diarrhea.
- Swelling.
- Shaking chills.
- Constipation.
- Moderate fever.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Joint pain.
How long does menstrual flu last?
The duration of symptoms can also vary. It usually lasts three to five days. In most cases, symptoms disappear as soon as menstrual bleeding ends.
How to deal with menstrual flu: 8 tips
There is no specific treatment for menstrual flu., but taking some medications and certain lifestyle changes can help control symptoms. Below, we detail eight recommendations.
1. Try over-the-counter pain relievers
One of the first measures to reduce menstrual flu ailments is to try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. These help inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which in turn decreases bloating, cramps and body aches.
2. Adopt a healthy eating plan
Diet can help relieve premenstrual symptoms, including menstrual flu. In this sense, It is advisable to adopt a healthy, balanced diet low in inflammatory foods. Therefore, be sure to practice the following:
- Limit consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages.
- Reduce dairy consumption, except for natural yogurt and some low-fat cheeses.
- Reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, since they are abundant in sugars, harmful fats and sodium.
- Hydrate yourself well. To do this, prioritize the consumption of water and healthy drinks, such as infusions, for example.
- Increase your consumption of plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Ensures optimal intake of healthy fats, such as omega-3, present in nuts and seeds, avocado, olive oil, fatty fish, among others.
3. Ensures optimal intake of calcium and vitamin D
In addition to contributing to bone health care, optimal calcium intake can help alleviate premenstrual symptoms. To reduce fatigue and muscle weakness caused by menstrual flu, it is recommended to take 600 milligrams of calcium, twice a day.
The ideal is to accompany it with 800 international units of vitamin D, to promote its absorption. To do this, make sure you consume nuts, seeds, kale, broccoli, sardines, yogurt and cheese. If necessary, choose to obtain it through supplements (only under medical supervision).
4. Do regular physical exercise
The regular practice of physical exercise is related to a decrease in premenstrual physical and psychological symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, fluid retention and mood alterations. This is related to a greater balance of prostaglandins and serotonin.
The ideal is to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, five times a week. They can be activities such as running, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, going to the gym or any other modality.
5. Sleep well
Both to prevent and soothe the symptoms of menstrual flu It is necessary to ensure optimal rest. Sleeping between seven and eight hours a day, without interruptions, is decisive in combating fatigue, irritability and pain.
6. Avoid tobacco
Tobacco use is one of the risk factors for premenstrual syndrome and menstrual flu. Nicotine and other toxic compounds in cigarettes increase the body’s susceptibility to environmental stressors. This is how pain, fatigue, muscle weakness and swelling tend to worsen.
At first, quitting smoking is not an easy task. It is best to seek professional support to access different therapeutic modalities, such as nicotine replacement therapy, psychotherapy, support groups, among others.
7. Try heat therapy
Using a heating pad or warm compress on parts of the body that are experiencing pain can be comforting. The heat helps relax the muscles and reduce contractions, which favors the feeling of relief.
8. Try to relax with a massage
The feeling of experiencing the flu—even if it is not a viral process—can be exhausting and stressful. A good option to relax is to access massage therapy, which improves blood flow, reduces tension and increases well-being.
To do this, force, pressure and movements with the hands and arms are combined. It is necessary to do it correctly, so as not to cause injuries or unwanted effects. If you do not have enough experience, consult a professional.
Is it necessary to see a doctor after experiencing menstrual flu?
In general terms, it is not necessary to go to the doctor for episodes of menstrual flu. Symptoms usually improve within days with conservative treatment at home.
In any case, if these affect the quality of life, either due to their severity or recurrence, it is preferable to go to the obstetrician or gynecologist. The specialist will perform appropriate tests to determine if there are underlying medical problems and if any additional treatment is necessary.
Is menstrual flu a sign of PMS?
Some specialists describe menstrual flu as a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, Its symptoms occur punctually in healthy women without this diagnosis.
It should be remembered that, to speak of PMS, the symptoms must occur for at least three menstrual cycles in a row. Likewise, they must end within four days after the period and must interfere with the ability to perform some daily tasks.
That said, feeling like you have the flu before your period is not always an indication of PMS. When in doubt, It is better to consult the doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Do you feel flu-like before and during your menstrual period?
In most cases, flu symptoms before and during menstruation correspond to the so-called “menstrual flu” or “period flu”, which has nothing to do with influenza. It is not caused by viruses, but is due to hormonal changes inherent to the cycle.
Although headache, fatigue, digestive upset, and fever can interfere with some daily activities, they are not usually serious or cause for concern. These improve with home care and over-the-counter medications. In addition, they usually disappear as soon as the period ends.
Your presence It is not an indication of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although it is more common in women with this condition. If it is recurrent or severe, it is appropriate to see a doctor to obtain a diagnosis and other treatment options.
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