For many college students, the dreaded cold and flu season begins and ends in the year’s coldest months, but for others, it comes once a month. That’s right, the “period flu” and/or “period cold” is super real. How do I know this? Well, I am one of the unlucky people who become achy, sniffly, and sneezy every time my period rolls around. (Cool, right? I was looking for ways to make my period cramps more fun.)
If you experience any cold symptoms ahead of menstruation, you are certainly not alone. And — though it’s not an official medical diagnosis — the phenomenon of cold and flu symptoms in tandem with mild PMS symptoms and periods is well documented including WebMD, Healthline, and more. I chatted with period experts Vicky Viola — a nutrition coach and fertility awareness method educator — and April Davis — founder of The Vagina Blog — to see what exactly causes these more aggressive PMS symptoms lovingly referred to as “period flu” by some, how to overcome them, and beyond.
Symptoms Of The Period Flu
I’m not saying anything new when I say that PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and irritability can be downright awful. However, when cold and flu-like symptoms are added on top of it… good luck. According to Viola, that set of symptoms “are really just symptoms of PMS,” she shares.
Viola defines “period flu” as “anything that makes you feel super run down right before or during your period.”
She further explains, “Some common PMS symptoms that can be considered ‘period flu’ would be headaches, nausea, low energy/fatigue, dizziness, body aches, constipation (more likely before your period) or diarrhea (more likely during your period).”
All in all, it’s fair to note that PMS symptoms come in a variety of forms and some of them are grouped in a way that will make your day feel longer, and perhaps more painful. If you are experiencing these intense symptoms, it’s always good to check for a fever and/or take a COVID-19 test before going to class.
So, Why DO I FEEL SO BAD when I’m on my Period?
Hormones, hormones, hormones. These are the little things that dictate how we feel all month long, girlie. And, of course, sometimes they have a mind of their own and don’t really care if we have a ton of tests to study for or parties to attend.
“What causes PMS and in turn symptoms of “period flu” is the drop in hormones Estrogen and Progesterone at the end of the cycle,” Viola shares. “Estrogen is our ‘feel good; hormone and Progesterone is our ‘keep calm’ hormone, so when these hormones drop to their lowest levels at the end of the luteal phase, we can feel pretty rough.”
Surely, many of us can relate to waking up a few days before a period rolls around and choosing to go back to bed.
“What makes PMS symptoms far worse though is when there is an imbalance of Estrogen and Progesterone or too little Progesterone in the luteal phase,” Viola notes. “We want Progesterone to be the dominant hormone in the second half of the cycle, so when there is this imbalance and Estrogen remains the dominant hormone, it can lead to a worsening of PMS.”
Should I Be worried?
So, you may be questioning if flu-like symptoms prior to and during your period are normal. Well, it’s all about listening to your body and monitoring what has occurred in past cycles and how certain aggressive symptoms may differ or reflect a pattern.
“It’s always best to check in with your care provider if you’re experiencing unfavorable symptoms. I recommend books like The Period Repair Manual if people are looking to improve their symptoms throughout their menstrual cycle,” she says.
Is There Any Way To Relieve My Period Flu Symptoms?
It may sound trite, but maintaining a balanced diet including fiber, fat, vegetables, and protein while PMS-ing and on your period can make all the difference. Additionally, certain supplements can help, too.
“Supplements like magnesium, zinc, B6 and Vitamin D along with adaptogens like ashwagandha can make a huge difference in your menstrual cycle and the symptoms that come with it,” Davis says. “Often times simple solutions are out there to make periods better and less symptomatic!”
On top of consuming foods that taste good and are good for you, Viola recommends lots of naps and chilling out. She says, “Rest, rest, rest! We are naturally going to feel more run down right before and the first few days of our period, so listening to your body is key, and saying no to things that aren’t super important at that time can help you have a more manageable period.”