Menstruation is an important part of a woman’s life and plays a vital role in health and wellness. Women have to go through a lot of pain, discomfort, and other problems during periods. While mood swings and cramping are commonly experienced by most women, some also encounter flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea and headache. This is why this condition is given the name- Period Flu. If you too get fever and headache before periods, read ahead to know other symptoms and prevention methods.
What causes period flu?
Only some women experience this state and that too only for a few months. In other words, this is a temporary condition and you won’t get period flu every month. In rare cases, vaginal bleeding between periods is also experienced by some women.
Some experts believe that the cause of period flu is hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body during periods. Although there are many such occasions where hormonal fluctuations or hormonal imbalance occur with causing these flu-like symptoms. Experts haven’t still figured out the real reason behind period flu.
What are the symptoms of period flu?
As mentioned already, the symptoms are that of flu but since they occur before and during periods, they are given the term period flu. Here are all the symptoms of period flu you need to note down:
- Fever
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sluggishness
- Constipation or stomach flu-like symptom
As you can see, most of these symptoms are similar to that of pregnancy. Be it vomiting, nausea, fatigue or fever, all of these are also experienced during pregnancy. Thus, many women misunderstand these premenstrual symptoms to be the initial signs of pregnancy. It is better to not panic and wait for a couple of days before taking any medication. Do a pregnancy test at home to confirm. If these symptoms are actually of pregnancy, you must not take any medicine that may harm your and baby’s health.
Also Read: Try These Options If You Want To Prepone Your Periods Naturally
How can period flu symptoms be relieved?
Period flu is not a medical condition nor is it caused by microbes, so there is no cure for this. However, you can relieve the symptoms with some simple yet effective home remedies. Here are some solutions that can aid your condition.
- Use a heating pad to reduce the lower abdominal pain and cramps.
- Get as much rest as you can. Do not try to overwork yourself or else the symptoms may worsen.
- Vomiting and dysentery may cause water loss in the body. So drink plenty of water and keep a liquid diet.
- If possible, drink boiled water.
- Instead of fast foods and junk foods, eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, etc. that have high fibre content.
- Take minimum stress and keep yourself busy with your favourite things throughout the day.
- Have a sound sleep as a lack of sleep can increase your problems. Decrease screen time as it may hinder your sleep.
If you do not see any improvement in your condition even after taking all these measures, you must consult a doctor to see of there is anything serious.
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