Can Menstruation Cause Fever? What Happens During Your Period?

Can menstruation cause fever? Is period flu even a legitimate medical term? What causes it?

These are the most common questions of many women who experience flu-like symptoms when aunt flow visits them.

During their period, they feel crummy. They experience flu-like symptoms, such as nausea and headache.

You might think that you are getting crazy each time your period comes.

But you’re not crazy or alone. Many women experience period flu.

Is It an Actual Flu? Can Menstruation Cause Fever? 

It is not the actual flu. Menstruation may cause fever or chills.

The symptoms are the result of hormones. They will include the following:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Muscle Aches
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Fever or chills

Period flu may copy similar symptoms of the influenza virus. But you don’t have the virus.

What Causes Period or Menstruation Flu?

Unfortunately, even your doctor can’t know for sure what causes the symptoms to occur.

However, the likely culprit why you experience flu-like symptoms during your period is your hormones.

Before your period starts, your body produces prostaglandins to assist the uterus to shed its lining.

The abundant prostaglandins can make their way into the bloodstream causing period symptoms, like farts, period poop, and cramps.

You also feel run down because of the changes in your sex hormones. They cause cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings.

Another culprit is the chemical change in your brain. The fluctuations in serotonin can trigger period symptoms. It means that you experience fatigue, food cravings, depression, and sleep problems.

If you have pre-existing conditions such as autoimmune disorder, you will experience a flare-up of your symptoms before the period.

Why Hormones Will Make You Feel Sick Before Your Period? Why People Experience the Symptoms While Others Don’t? 

Hormones are the culprit. In the middle of the ovulation cycle, your hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, start to surge.

But when you don’t get pregnant and you get a period instead, these hormones decline. The drop of these hormones is what causes these symptoms.

Fortunately, not all women will experience them.

As mentioned the uterine cramping is caused by prostaglandins. It causes your muscles to contract. It is the one that causes gastrointestinal discomfort.

It is the prostaglandin that makes you feel like having the flu. Your temperature may go high or low.

But some women don’t experience these symptoms because they change their lifestyle habits before their period starts.

One thing that can help in preventing period flu is to quit sugar. You also need to reduce your salt intake as it causes swelling and inflammation.

Salty and sugary snacks can also increase water retention that causes joint pain.

Is It a Cause for Concern? 

Menstruation can cause fever but it’s not a cause for concern. It is not dangerous.

The symptoms can last from ovulation and the start of your menstruation. Your symptoms will evanesce when your period starts.

You might feel sick today but you will be fine in a few days.

However, if your period symptoms are affecting your day-to-day activities, then you should talk to your doctor.

There are underlying issues that might be the reason for these symptoms.

For instance, the symptoms might be the cause of a thyroid disorder.

If your actual temperature is 101, it’s not a period flu anymore. It might be something else. Hence, you need to check it out.

How to Get Relief? 

Menstruation-flu symptoms can disrupt your everyday activities. Thankfully, some things can relieve them.

To ease menstruation-flu symptoms, you can use over-the-counter pain medication. Ibuprofen is proven to ease muscle aches, headaches, and breast pain.

However, you should avoid this medication if you have gastrointestinal issues.

A heating pad may also help in relieving cramps and muscle aches. To use this remedy, you can place this pad over your abdomen for 15 minutes at a time.

If you are experiencing diarrhea, consider taking an antidiarrheal drug, like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate.

Most of all, you need to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water will help you stop eating all the food. When you are on your period, you are likely to get hungry all the time.

Exercise to Alleviate Cramps 

Exercise has been proven to reduce the discomfort associated with menstruation. Sit-ups are great to improve cramps. Planking can help with your depression.

Read: Unfamiliar Message Therapy Benefits

Eat the Right Foods to Reduce PMS 

It’s also a good idea to focus on eating healthy foods, especially the two weeks leading up to your menstruation.

You also need to limit your alcohol, sugar, and salt intake. It is also helpful to reduce your caffeine intake.

Stop Smoking to Avoid Worsening PMS Symptoms 

Smoking is linked to irregular periods and early menopause. If you smoke, talk to your doctor so you can stop smoking and avoid relapse.

Take Vitamin B6 to Ease Mood Swings

This vitamin can ease various menstruation-related symptoms. These would include bloating, irritability and moodiness.

You don’t have to take a supplement for this. Just add vitamin B6-rich foods, like fish, potatoes, and fruit to your diet. Not just before your period starts but you should eat them regularly.

Should You See a Doctor? 

It is normal to experience PMS. However, if the symptoms interfere with your activities, then you should talk to your doctor.

They could indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

For instance, if the PMS includes heavy periods, painful periods, or missed or irregular periods, then you should consult or discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Your doctor may prescribe you a birth control pill. This can help in lowering your estrogen levels. It can be a huge help to keep your hormone levels steady.

However, if you are trying to get pregnant, then this pill might not be the best option to fight menstruation-flu symptoms.

Conclusion 

Can menstruation cause fever? The menstrual period may cause period flu. But it’s not an official diagnosis. Hormonal fluctuations play a big role, but it’s not a definite answer.

Find out why period panties are better than menstrual pads.