Period flu is not a disease, it’s just the way some women respond to their hormonal changes. It needs to be managed well, and you may need medication to control it. We got Dr Namita Kapoor Sahgal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru to help understand everything about period flu. Read on.
What is period flu?
Credit: iStock
Period flu is a term used to describe the cyclical symptoms women experience just before their periods. These are consistent with the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMs) observed due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
It usually starts around two weeks before your period and occurs primarily because of the hormonal changes that happen after ovulation. Period flu starts around the time of ovulation, reduces once the period starts, and stops by its end.
Symptoms of period flu
Credit: iStock
Typically, women experience bloating, headache, nausea, mood swings, lethargy, fatigue, body aches, cramps, breast soreness, etc. which needs to be managed. Sometimes they can even face fever and chills often. The bloating sensation, which is quite common, can be tackled by switching to smaller meals. Monitoring salt intake is also a good idea.
How to treat period flu
Credit: iStock
The key to handling period flu is timing your meals, and avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking. One of the ways to manage period flu is by keeping your activity level high, and ensuring that you exercise and monitor your diet. Too much sweets can also affect your PMS.
What causes a bloating sensation?
Credit: iStock
This most common premenstrual syndrome is caused due to glucose fluctuations. It can be kept low by reducing carbohydrate intake, keeping your portion small and meals frequent.
Foods that help treat period flu
Credit: iStock
Eating more whole grains, flax seeds, maintaining a low sugar and salt intake, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and reducing caffeine intake is important during this phase.
A diet which is rich in calcium and polyunsaturated fats can help in keeping period flu under control. It is also a good idea to do some meditation and deep breathing yoga exercises. Despite these non-medical or other non- allopathic remedies, some women may need medicine as treatment if the condition is severe.
Lead Image Credit: Break Ke Baad, Kunal Kohli Productions
