As if your period wasn’t enough of an event, we’ve got “period flu” to deal with too. But what is period flu? Unsurprisingly, it’s not a medical term and is poorly understood, however it is a real phenomenon that sums up the flu-like symptoms many experience shortly leading up to and during their period. So, if you’ve ever suffered with tummy troubles or splitting headaches, you’re not going out of your mind & you’re definitely not the only one. Read on to find out everything you need to know about period flu & how to combat symptoms…
What Causes Period Flu?
During your period, the uterine lining sheds and in cases of sufferers of period flu, an immune response is triggered that mirrors your body's response to the actual flu. Hello, sickness, tiredness & aches on top of PMS!
Unsurprisingly, there’s not been much research into the subject of this flu-like feeling, however experts believe that hormones may be partially responsible. For example, during your menstrual cycle hormones like progesterone fluctuate and are known to affect the immune system and the inflammatory response. Plus, changes in oestrogen can make you feel fatigued, mix all of this together with other hormone fluctuations, you may end up feeling pretty run down.
What are The Symptoms of Period Flu?
Much like regular flu, there’s a range of symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Headaches
- Achiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
Can I Catch Period Flu?
No, you can’t catch period flu. It’s not contagious like regular flu and cannot be passed between people. It’s worth mentioning that you can still get regular flu whilst on your period, so if you’re truly suffering seek advice!
What Can I Do to Manage Period Flu?
Due to the lack of research around period flu, the best advice is simple: be kind to yourself. Indulge yourself with some self-love & stock up on over-the-counter medication and anti-inflammatories. Here’s a few ideas on managing your period flu:
- Stay hydrated
- Regular exercise in between cycles
- Eat nutrient-rich foods
- Try heat therapy like a pad or hot water bottle
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
