It’s common to feel achy and sluggish just before a period.

The exact number of days prior to your flow, however, varies from person to person.

“Upper-respiratory symptoms don’t usually go along with your period.

Is ‘Period Flu’ Actually Real? , Woman suffering from stress or a headache grimacing in pain

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What Causes Period Flu?

You probably guessed it: Your hormones are likely to blame for your overall crummy feelings.

(Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone estrogen are also at their highest.)

Then comes theluteal phase, when the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

At this time, levels of the hormone progesterone increase to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy.

If you don’t become pregnant (i.e.

Are some women more prone to the period flu than others?

How Debilitating is Period Flu?

The length and severity of symptoms can vary per person.

Treatments for period flu are similar to those for PMS.

Here are some ways you could find relief for your period flu symptoms.

Women who are on birth control don’t notice any major changes during their period.

It keeps everything constant,” explains Dr. Shirazian.

Ask your doctor to figure out the best choice for you.

Start taking the smallest dose (~200 mg) possible of NSAIDs (e.g.

Be sure to take the medication with food to avoid a stomach ache and, worse, ulcers.

Once your period starts, gauge your symptoms to see if you oughta continue to take them.

For example, you’re free to take a tablet every six hours as needed.

“Some warm compresses can also help with back pain,” she adds.

If youre suffering from period flu symptoms, its important to get sufficient rest to help alleviate those symptoms.

“All of these symptoms can be [due to] lots of things.

Speak to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes and preventive options such as hormonal birth control.