Everything You Need to Know about ‘Period Flu’ – Part 2
For some women, the period flu is a term used to describe the feeling of being absolutely miserable during or before your period. You may feel like you have the actual flu, with all the associated symptoms like fatigue, achiness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
How Do You Know That It’s Time to Get Checked
As we mentioned in the previous blog, period flu is just your body experiencing what we call premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a collection of symptoms women experience in the days and weeks leading up to their period. These symptoms can include physical and emotional symptoms, from bloating and mood swings to fatigue, breast tenderness, and irritability.
For some women, PMS is a minor nuisance. But for others, it can be a debilitating experience that interferes with their daily lives.
If you’re experiencing severe PMS symptoms, it’s essential to see your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. While PMS may make you feel feverish, it can be a sign of something more serious if it’s accompanied by an actual fever of about 101 or 102.
While fever itself is not usually causing concern, it can be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.
How Is Period Flu Different from Pregnancy
There are a few key ways that period flu is different from pregnancy. First, as we mentioned, period flu is simply all part of PMS. This means that, unlike pregnancy, no baby is growing inside you during this time.
Second, the symptoms of period flu are typically much milder than the symptoms of pregnancy. While you may feel fatigued and irritable during the period flu, you are unlikely to experience the more severe pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting and, of course, a growing belly.
Finally, period flu typically lasts for a shorter period than pregnancy. While pregnancy symptoms can last for nine months or more, the symptoms of period flu typically only last for a few days, during ovulation and just before your period.
How Is Period Flu Different from COVID-19
There are a lot of similarities between period flu and COVID-19, but there are also some key differences. For one, period flu is not caused by a virus but only mimics the symptoms of COVID-19, such as fatigue, body aches, headaches, gastrointestinal upset and lethargy.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Other less common symptoms include aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. However, some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms.
What Are Natural Remedies You Can Do to Help Find Relief
Aside from over-the-counter medicines, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress, there are a number of supplements that can be helpful, including magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6.
Magnesium levels tend to be lower in women who suffer from PMS, which may explain why this mineral can effectively relieve the symptoms of the condition.
You can take a magnesium supplement, or you can get more of this mineral by eating magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. You can also try taking a relaxing bath with magnesium-rich Epsom salt.
Another natural remedy that can help with PMS is omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the symptoms of PMS, including bloating, cramps, and mood swings. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements or by eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from plants like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Conclusion
The so-called “period flu” is a real thing. For many women, the symptoms are debilitating and can seriously interfere with their quality of life. Thankfully, some things can be done to help ease the symptoms and make the experience more bearable.
If you’re like many women, you may suffer from flu-like symptoms before your period. This can be a frustrating and even painful experience. At Rhythmic Health, we can provide you with the information you need to understand your symptoms and find relief. Browse through our resources today!
