‘Period flu’ is a more ‘severe’ form of PMS. Should you be concerned? – USA TODAY

Ann Arbor will require menstrual products in all public bathrooms

Ann Arbor, Michigan is believed to be the first US city to pass an all-encompassing law regarding menstrual hygiene products in public bathrooms.

Staff video, USA TODAY

Most people are familiar withthe cramps and irritability precedingan oncomingperiod.But some women have reported a more severe version of PMS known as the"period flu."

Though it's not a legitimate medical diagnosis,period fludescribes premenstrual,flu-like symptomssuch asnausea, body aches or fever.Normallyit starts a few days before a period and lasts until the day it ends, and it can disrupt your everyday life.

"It's a more severe form of PMSwhere you may feel as if you're actually ill and experienceheadaches,chills, vomiting orinsomnia. But it's not actually the flu. You're not actually sick and it's not contagious," saysTara Scott, medical director of integrative medicine at Summa Health and Revitalize Forum Health.

But experts warn that just because period flu isn't an official diagnosis doesn't mean it isn't concerning.

Period shame: Who decided a period leak was the end of the world?

Unlike PMS, period flu goes beyond the hallmark crankiness and bloating,instead dealingmore with physical, rather than emotional, symptoms. For instance, muscle aches, migraines, diarrhea, hot flashes and even a low-grade fever.

Feeling sick? Don't panic: How to combat COVID, flu anxiety this winter

While there is no clearevidence behind its cause, experts say the likely culprit is hormone fluctuation. According to Christine Greves, a board-certified OB/GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies,changes in estrogen and progesterone levels may affect one's chemical and immune system.

"When your period occurs, it involves the shedding and lining of the uterus and getting rid of that tissue. So that can result in different hormones like progesterone causing these issues forsome women," Greves explains.

Premium: Menstruators are 'cycle syncing' to optimize their life based on their period

The good news is thatperiod flu typically isn'tlife-threatening. However, any pain that causes distress shouldn't be normalized.

Scott says that these premenstrual symptoms can be"highly debilitating," yet many women feel reluctant to seek medical attention.Research has shown that in comparison to men, women's concerns about pain are often dismissed and overlooked asexaggerated or oversensitive by doctors.

Perimenopause: We all know what menopause is. So why arent we talking about perimenopause?

"It's important for medical professionals to validate that these symptoms are real. That they're not being 'dramatic' or 'crazy,'" Scott says. "Many women suffer from these problems, and just because we're not taught about it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Over-the-counter optionslike Tylenol or Ibuprofenmay help alleviate specific symptomslike headachesor muscle pain. However,a more worthwhile alternative isto investigate the root cause of these problems: hormonal imbalance.

Aside from medical treatment, Greves recommends consultinga professional who specializes in hormone therapyor even making lifestyle changes to help with hormonal imbalance, such as managing your stress levels,getting routine exercise and making dietary adjustments.

"If you have the period flu, it's not just one month and you're done. Feeling like you often have the flu can affect your daily life and activities, so it's important to try to figure out a healthy way to deal with discomfort and pain," Greves says.

Column: Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet

Read more here:
'Period flu' is a more 'severe' form of PMS. Should you be concerned? - USA TODAY