/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/WUM6MGRABRFBBMS4W4NNYNQVRI.jpg "Does menstrual flu exist? : Why does it happen and when do symptoms go away?Health | Magazine")
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that causes flu-like symptoms, is the cause of a variety of symptoms reported by women, including “menstrual flu“Occasionally it occurs in healthy women who have not been diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome.”
This is what Sara Yuen, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, calls “better health.” Experts address the issue: “Menstrual flu is not the flu, nor is it an official medical diagnosis.”
Symptoms of the so-called “menstrual flu”
Some women may experience discomfort seven to ten days before their period; however, others suffer from this pain during their period. According to Better Health, this may include the following:
- diarrhea.
- swelling.
- Chills all over.
- constipate.
- Moderate fever.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Headache.
- Menstrual cramps.
- joint pain.
They clarify, “The clinical manifestations of menstrual influenza vary among women.”
Why does “period flu” occur?
“It’s not entirely certain what causes this, but hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle are the most likely culprit,” experts say on the Healthline website.
Those experiencing symptoms ask themselves: “Why do I get the flu when I’m on my period?? “
Mejor con Salud states, “This is not related to influenza viruses or other bacteria. The most accepted hypothesis is that the hormonal fluctuations women experience during the menstrual cycle are responsible for this phenomenon. In particular, it is related to the activity of estrogen and prostaglandins related.
Another reason for the analysis is “hormonal activity that affects brain chemicals, which also causes changes in serotonin levels (a healthy neurotransmitter). By lowering its levels, it can cause a feeling of fatigue similar to that produced by the real flu.”
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“Cyclic changes in sex hormones, primarily estrogen, can also make women feel tired, in addition to causing the most common menstrual symptoms, such as cramping, breast tenderness and mood swings,” Healthline reports.
Regarding the first hypothesis, they explain in their book Better with Health, “During the luteal phase of ovulation, the period between ovulation and the start of menstruation (the premenstrual period), estrogen levels decline.”
At that point, “fatigue, headaches, mood swings and feelings of premenstrual sensitivity” can occur.
When prostaglandin release increases, menstrual cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and general malaise can occur.
Prostaglandins “are necessary for uterine contractions and removal of the lining of the uterus.” In excess, they can increase the body’s inflammatory response. “
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How many days does menstrual flu last?
People who have had the disease can attest: “Menstrual flu typically lasts three to five days,” experts say. In most cases, symptoms disappear as soon as menstrual bleeding ends. “
What to do if you want relief
If symptoms are severe and painful, consult your doctor.
At home try to “sleep, rest, eat a healthy diet, take pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications (preferably if approved by your doctor), use a heating pad, and drink enough water.”
Healthline also invites you to exercise regularly, eat enough calcium and take vitamin B6. (Yo)