Understanding "Period Flu": Why You Feel Sick During Your Menstrual Cycle

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Many people who menstruate sometimes feel like they have the flu just before or during their period. This phenomenon, commonly called “period flu,” refers to a set of flu-like symptoms caused by hormonal changes rather than by the contagious influenza virus.

How Period Flu Differs from Regular Flu

Unlike influenza, period flu is not an official medical condition. The common flu is caused by a virus and can occur at any time of the year, while period flu is linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms typically appear a few days before menstruation or at the start of the period, and they usually subside as menstruation progresses.

Common Symptoms of Period Flu

People experiencing period flu may notice:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Muscle and joint aches

• Headaches

• Nausea, bloating, or diarrhea

• Mild cough, chills, or slight fever

• Back pain or abdominal cramps

• Occasionally sneezing or a runny nose

Because these symptoms resemble the flu, it’s common for individuals to mistakenly think they are sick. However, period flu is not contagious.

What Causes Period Flu?

The main driver of period flu is hormonal changes. Levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly as the body prepares for menstruation, affecting multiple bodily functions and causing discomfort.

Prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds released to help the uterus contract and shed its lining, can also trigger cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms.

When Does Period Flu Occur?

Symptoms usually appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs after ovulation and before menstrual bleeding. For some people, these effects begin several days before the period and fade once menstruation starts.

When to See a Doctor

For most, period flu is mild and manageable. However, if symptoms are unusually severe, persist longer than normal, or differ from your usual menstrual experience, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. More intense or atypical symptoms could indicate other underlying conditions.

Period flu is a common experience for many menstruating individuals and is caused by natural hormonal changes, not a viral infection. Awareness of these symptoms can help distinguish them from actual illness, but medical advice should be sought if symptoms worsen or are unusual.

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