What Are The Risk Factors For Pmdd
While any woman can develop PMDD, the following may be at increased risk:
- Women with a family history of PMS or PMDD
- Women with a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders
Other possible risk factors include lower education and cigarette smoking
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
How To Treat Period Flu
Since period flu is not a medical diagnosis, there’s no true treatment. However, there are ways to help manage the symptoms.
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 , 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.
Protect Your Mind From Stress
In a perfect world, no one would be ~stressed~, like, ever. In PMS times, Dr. Paik says you’ll want to really go the extra mile to make sure you’re not piling on extra stressors at work or in your personal life. Instead, make sure you’re getting in activities that are like a massage for your mental health. For you, that could mean meditation, yoga, Zooming with a friend, running, bread-bakingâyou name it.
You should also stay on alert for symptoms that suggest you should see a doctor instead of drawing a hot bath or eating dark chocolate in bed. “You should see a doctor if your pelvic pain or cramping is moderate to severe during your periods and you do not find relief with Ibuprofen, if you have a true fever, weight loss, increased symptoms of depression or anxiety, or persistent pain with sex,” says Dr. Paik. Otherwise, this fake flu shall pass.
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. , our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Flu Shot Age Ct
Theres A Chance Your Period Flu Is Really A Sign Of Pregnancy
It can be pretty tough to tell the difference between PMS, the flu, pregnancy, and some totally unrelated illnesses. Thanks, body!
Some of the first symptoms of early pregnancy fatigue, headache, and nausea or vomiting are suspiciously similar to flu symptoms .
If you think a recently fertilized egg might be the cause of your yucky feelings, remember a missed period is your clue that its time to take a pregnancy test. If your period never shows and you still feel sick, test again and call the doc to figure out whats up.
Use Hot And Cold Therapy
Who hasn’t taken a steamy lavender bath in their luteal phaseâam I right? Dr. Paik says that bringing on the heat can help your entire body so that you can kick back and read or watch Netflix. If you’re experiencing breast tenderness, she recommends using frozen peas or an ice bag instead. Just make sure you wrap the ice pack in a towel and leave it on your skin for no more than 30 minutes. Let’s not add frostbite to the list of PMS symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Can The Flu Shot Cause Breast Cancer
A Little Statistical Insight
A survey of more than 32,000 Dutch women, ages 15 to 45, found that 13.8 percent missed work due to period symptoms. On average, the women missed 1.3 days of work per year due to their periods. About 80 percent of women in the study reported that even though they were at work, they lost productivity during their periods.
Maybe youre thinking, Thats some deeply misogynistic bullshit to measure a womans productivity in the workforce in relation to her natural biological rhythms. Well, 67.7 percent of participants also said they would appreciate more flexible schedules so they could work around their sometimes debilitating period symptoms. A girl can dream.
- depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells
- mood swings
- low libido
Getting slammed with a pile of these symptoms at once definitely feels miserable. And it gets worse. An unlucky 5 percent of women of childbearing age have premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is even more intense than PMS.
If you experience the exhaustion and pain associated with PMDD, you might swear your period is as bad as the flu.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
Don’t hesitate to tell your health care provider if period flu symptoms strike hard each month, or linger.
Along with proposing treatment options, your healthcare provider will also check to make sure there isn’t another medical issuelike the actual flu, or conditions that cause PMS-like symptoms such as chronic fatigue syndrome or depressioncausing your symptoms, Dr. Cross said.
Ultimately, the period flu can be miserablebut unlike the actual flu that can leave you sidelined with chills, body aches, a sore throat, and nasal congestion, it isn’t contagious, and it’s unlikely to lead to anything serious.
You May Like: Tylenol Cold Flu And Cough
What Are The Symptoms
The wild ride caused by hormones can vary greatly from one person to another. Some people experience period flu symptoms in the days just before their period that are part of whats called premenstrual syndrome . Others feel lousy throughout their period.
The symptoms are pretty varied, too, and can include:
Get Otc Pain Relievers
Taking pain relievers such as Advil helps to ease inflammations. This is a great counter-action to reduce pain severity gotten from head and muscle aches.
Pain medication also helps to manage the discomfort from breast pain and cramps. You should try taking anti-inflammatory medication before you start flowing to weaken the effects of pain.
Read Also: What Is Different About The Over 65 Flu Shot
Where Can I Buy A Basal Thermometer
You can visit your local pharmacy to find a basal or digital thermometer to monitor your low-grade fever during your period. By measuring your basal body temperature while you are ovulating, you will be able to better track the onset of your symptoms and prepare yourself. You can also learn when you are least and most likely to become pregnant through this monitoring.
What Are The Symptoms Of Pmdd
Symptoms of PMDD appear during the week before menstruation and end within a few days after your period starts. These symptoms disrupt daily living tasks. Symptoms of PMDD are so severe that women have trouble functioning at home, at work, and in relationships during this time. This is markedly different than other times during the month.
The following are the most common symptoms of PMDD:
|
Psychological symptoms
|
Neurologic and vascular symptoms
|
The symptoms of PMDD may look like other conditions or medical problems, such as a thyroid condition, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Always talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Also Check: What Kind Of Vaccine Is The Flu Shot
How Long Does Period Flu Stick Around
You wonât experience period flu symptoms once you get to menopause.
Nevertheless, period flu symptoms could stick around for a maximum of 2 weeks in your active years. The said symptoms will only kick in once you get through with ovulation.
As your period begins to flow, these signs and symptoms become less severe over the days. The sickening effects will also come to a stop by the time your period stops flowing.
What Is Period Flu
Period flu is a condition that makes some women experience flu-like symptoms during their periods. Normally, these symptoms last between two to three days before their periods start until the day their periods end.
Most people who have period flu experience the worst symptoms during the first few days of their period. Symptoms can be mild, but they can also be so bad that you may miss school or work. Once their period is over, most women feel instantly better until they have their next period. When they get to their next period, they begin to feel sick once more.
Recommended Reading: The Little Clinic Flu Shot
Foods That Help Treat Period Flu
Eating more whole grains, flax seeds, maintaining a low sugar and salt intake, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and reducing caffeine intake is important during this phase.
A diet which is rich in calcium and polyunsaturated fats can help in keeping period flu under control. It is also a good idea to do some meditation and deep breathing yoga exercises. Despite these non-medical or other non- allopathic remedies, some women may need medicine as treatment if the condition is severe.
Lead Image Credit: Break Ke Baad, Kunal Kohli Productions
Similarities Between The Symptoms Of The Flu And Covid
The flu and COVID-19 are different viruses. They’re very contagious and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 when symptoms appear.
If you start to develop symptoms, follow the same precautions taken for COVID-19.
This year is more important than ever for everyone 6 months and older to get the flu shot. This will help prevent the flu and flu-related complications. Preventing the flu will also help reduce stress on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read Also: Types Of Flu Vaccine This Year
How Can You Treat Hormone Imbalance
Thankfully, there are ways to manage and even eliminate period flu and reduce pain!
Of course, many women treat their pain with over-the-counter pain killers. There are multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can alleviate the experience of dysmenorrhea. These are common drugs such as, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and the fenamate. Common names for these are Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
NSAIDs offer many the relief that they need to get through the day. They are most effective when taken several hours before severe pain starts. This is because taking the drug before pain begins helps lower the inflammatory prostaglandins responsible for the increased pain.
So, if you can anticipate your period, then take your NSAID before it begins.
Unfortunately, as many of your reading know, pain killers only offer temporary relief from the pain. And, the more frequently we rely on drugs to manage pain, the higher the dosage we inevitably need.
Ultimately, pain killers do not offer a long-term solution because the drug does not address the underlying causes of prostaglandin overproduction.
If you would like to read more about the role of prostaglandin in dysmenorrhea, please read the following medical journal, Inflammatory Markers in Dysmenorrhea and Therapeutic Options, by Zofia Barcikowska.
We Help People Solve Their Health Challenges And Then Lead Ever More Fulfilling Lives
We believe that many health challenges can be solved with relatively small changes to daily life.
We think of it as finding your healthy rhythm. And were driven to help each person find theirs.
We do this by scouring the planet for the best on-the-ground experts at solving each specific health challenge. Experts actively involved in helping people,day in and day out.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Mementum Projects LLC makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.Rhythmic Health is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Copyright 2022 · Mementum Projects LLC
Recommended Reading: Meds To Treat The Flu
Should You Be Concerned About Period Flu
Generally, the symptoms of period flu will subside when menstruation starts, or a few days into the period. If the issues persist or are disruptive to daily life, it may be worth reaching out to a primary care physician or an OB/GYN. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” Carrasco says.
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.
How Does Period Flu Affect Athletic Performance
If youre prone to painful periods, you may find this results in a dip in performance every month. Although some studies suggest that you could be coming into your peak fitness phase around the time of menstruation, this increased capacity for stress can be overshadowed by cramps and fatigue.
If you fall into this bracket, it could be worthtailoring your training plan to match different stages in your menstrual cycle, scheduling in easier and low-intensity efforts to coincide with when your bodys also dealing being on your period.
If the odds just arent in your favour and your period hits the same time as race day, weve got some useful tips on how to deal with race-day PMS from Dr Joanne Mallinson.
Recommended Reading: Does Rite Aid Have Flu Shots Yet
Why Does It Happen For Some People With Periods But Not Others
One word: hormones. “In the mid-portion of your cycle when you ovulate, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to surge, and they decline when you do not get pregnant and get your period,” Dr. Dweck explains. “So that precipitous decline, particularly in estrogen, is what causes a lot of the symptoms.”
But that’s not all . “The other thing that’s going on as we get into our periods is that the uterus cranks out a chemical called prostaglandin,” says , MD, clinical professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Period problems, solved:
Prostaglandin causes that annoying AF uterine cramping. It also causes the muscles to contract and can give you gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. According to Dr. Minkin, “prostaglandins can also make you feel like you have the flu and even give you a temperature.” Fun, right?
But many women also change up their lifestyle habits before their period starts, Dr. Dweck points out. For instance, you might up your sugar and salty snack intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation, she explains. And you may have increased water retention, which could lead to joint pain, Dr. Dweck says. The effects of these diet and lifestyle changes right before your period can mimic flu like symptoms too. So that’s definitely something you want to keep in mind.
Can It Be Treated Here’s What You Can Do
The good news is that period flu typically isn’t life-threatening. However, any pain that causes distress shouldn’t be normalized.
Scott says that these premenstrual symptoms can be “highly debilitating,” yet many women feel reluctant to seek medical attention. Research has shown that in comparison to men, women’s concerns about pain are often dismissed and overlooked as exaggerated or oversensitive by doctors.
Perimenopause:We all know what menopause is. So why arent we talking about perimenopause?
“It’s important for medical professionals to validate that these symptoms are real. That they’re not being ‘dramatic’ or ‘crazy,'” Scott says. “Many women suffer from these problems, and just because we’re not taught about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
Over-the-counter options like Tylenol or Ibuprofen may help alleviate specific symptoms like headaches or muscle pain. However, a more worthwhile alternative is to investigate the root cause of these problems: hormonal imbalance.
Aside from medical treatment, Greves recommends consulting a professional who specializes in hormone therapy or even making lifestyle changes to help with hormonal imbalance, such as managing your stress levels, getting routine exercise and making dietary adjustments.
Column:Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet
Recommended Reading: How Much Is The Flu Shot At Cvs Pharmacy
What Are Symptoms Of Period Flu
The fluctuation in hormones that take place during your period can cause symptoms that vary from person to person. Unfortunately, the period flu is still misunderstood in the medical community, despite many people experiencing it each month with their cycle. To treat these symptoms, you must start by understanding how to identify them.
Here are some signs and symptoms of period flu:
- Chills or fever during period
- Tenderness in abdomen
- Trouble concentrating
Although period flu is not the same as influenza, many of the symptoms are incredibly similar and can be debilitating in your everyday life, especially since they are often cyclical. These bothersome symptoms present around the same time every month before your period begins.