What is the Period Flu and What Can You Do About It?
For many women, the week or so before their period can be a time of feeling not quite themselves. They may feel bloated, experience mood swings, and have headaches or other body aches. Some women even refer to this time as the “period flu.”
While the symptoms may be similar to the flu, the two are not the same. The flu is caused by a virus and is contagious, while the period flu is not.
So, what causes these pre-period symptoms?
For most women, these symptoms are due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. The levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body fluctuate throughout the month, and these changes can affect how a woman feels.
Some women may be more sensitive to these hormone fluctuations than others, which is why some women experience more severe symptoms than others. There is also some evidence to suggest that women with certain health conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS, may be more likely to experience these symptoms.
While the period flu is not a real medical condition, the symptoms can be very real and can affect a woman’s quality of life. If you are struggling with pre-period symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if there are any treatments that can help you feel better.
How to Differentiate the Period Flu From the Real Flu
To understand how to differentiate the period flu from the real flu, you need to know the symptoms of both.
The symptoms of the period flu include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
The symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
As you can see, the symptoms of the period flu and the flu are very similar. The main difference is that the flu is caused by a virus, while hormonal changes cause the period flu.
Treatment for the Period Flu
There is no specific treatment for the period flu, but there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms.
There are also some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms of the period flu, such as:
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Anti-nausea medication: OTC anti-nausea medication can help relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Anti-diarrheal medication: OTC anti-diarrheal medication can help relieve diarrhea.
- Stomach acid reducers: OTC stomach acid reducers can help relieve heartburn and indigestion.
There are also some home remedies that can help relieve the period flu symptoms.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, the ‘Period Flu’ is a very real thing. It can cause severe symptoms that can interfere with a woman’s daily life. If you think you may be suffering from the ‘Period Flu’, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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