Is it the "Period Flu"?

While you might be familiar with the usual symptoms of a menstrual cycle, you're probably less accustomed to hearing the term "period flu." Though it's not a medical term, it's a popular phrase used to describe the flu-like symptoms some women experience before their cycle.

The symptoms of period flu and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often intersect; however, what makes period flu different from general PMS is that period flu tends to present at the same time every month and has more physiological symptoms versus emotional ones.

For example, while crankiness and anxiety are typical for PMS, period flu also can cause muscle aches, migraines, digestive problems, hot flashes and even a low fever. Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Acne
• Back pain
• Bloating
• Body aches
• Brain fog
• Breast fullness, tenderness, and pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Fever-like chills
• Food cravings
• Mood swings
• Muscle or joint pain
• Water retention

While the cause of period flu isn't known, one theory is that it is caused by progesterone hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Other researchers believe that mood disorders, autoimmune ailments and rheumatoid arthritis could worsen the condition.

If you suspect you are experiencing period flu, and symptoms affect your quality of life and mental health, over-the-counter remedies aren't working, or you experience symptoms more than five times per year, it's time to contact your healthcare provider.

It could be more than period flu if you experience extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger at the onset of menstruation. Up to 10% of menstruating women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe and chronic form of PMS that may require lifestyle and medication changes.

If you have period flu, don't just tell yourself that you have to live with it. Your healthcare provider can investigate the potential root of the problem and advise you on managing your stress levels, exercise routine and dietary adjustments. Some studies show practicing yoga, avoiding inflammatory foods, and cutting back on fried, fatty and highly processed foods help.

Your physician may recommend hormonal therapy, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) used for birth control or oral contraceptives. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—a medication primarily used to manage depression and anxiety disorders— have also been effective treatments for PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

If you're battling period flu symptoms, it's time to break the cycle.

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