Though period flu is not a medical condition and can’t be diagnosed, the symptoms are very real for many women. To better understand what causes period flu and how to treat it, mbg spoke with integrative physicians and OB/GYNs. While these pre-period symptoms are similar to those of influenza, period flu is distinguished by its cyclical nature. “Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period,” integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. To help rule out a viral flu, Gilberg-Lenz recommends asking yourself these questions: Additionally, specific inflammatory hormones (called prostaglandins), may enhance flu-like symptoms in some women. When the endometrial cells lining the uterus begin to shed, these hormones are released. During the process, “Some of these prostaglandins can enter the bloodstream3,” Carrasco says, “causing headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, fever, and diarrhea.” Examples of persisting issues include a lasting fever over 101 degrees, dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, or symptoms that continue to occur well into or after your period. According to osteopathic OB/GYN Anna Cabeca, D.O., the period flu may also be pointing toward other underlying inflammatory conditions. Consulting a physician to rule out these potential causes may be helpful. “We need to really look at the hormone balance and inflammatory factors over time and what put us at risk for inflammatory diseases in general,” she says. One of the best ways to deal with period flu, according to Gilberg-Lenz, is with supportive care, such as resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing inflammation. To help manage inflammation, Cabeca suggests eliminating or reducing inflammatory foods and incorporating antioxidants into the diet. Adding supplements to support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory responses could also help. “Turmeric, resveratrol, and fish oil are some of my favorite natural ways to combat the inflammatory effects of prostaglandins,” Carrasco says. Brands like Solgar have some great supplement options in each of these categories. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may also be helpful. Women who have ruled out underlying autoimmune or other health conditions may benefit from seeing a trained women’s health specialist, Gilberg-Lenz says. These professionals may help them incorporate and commit to sustainable lifestyle and dietary changes.
