Period Flu: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
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What Is Period Flu?

What Is Period Flu?
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Published on April 21, 2025
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Period flu is a collection of flu-like symptoms that start just before a menstrual period.

 It's not an official medical diagnosis, but rather a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
More than 90 percent of people who menstruate say they get symptoms like bloating, moodiness, and headaches a week or two before their period.

 Some also have body aches, joint pain, chills, and other symptoms that feel like the flu but are related to their menstrual cycle.

 These flu-like symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they're usually short-lived. Period flu typically goes away once the period starts.

Signs and Symptoms of Period Flu

Period flu symptoms can be different for each person.

 Often they appear after ovulation, which happens 14 days before a menstrual period, or a few days before a period starts.

 Some people have period flu symptoms along with typical PMS symptoms like bloating, tender breasts, and cramps.
Period flu feels similar to being sick with the flu. It comes with symptoms like:

  • Fatigue
  • Body aches or joint pain

  • Chills

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
Illustrative graphic titled Period Flu Symptoms Fatigue Headache Nausea and Vomiting Chills Body Aches or Joint Pain Diarrhea. Everyday Health logo
Some people have period flu symptoms along with PMS symptoms, such as cramps, tender breasts, and bloating.Everyday Health

Causes and Risk Factors of Period Flu

What causes period flu and other symptoms of PMS isn't fully known.

 The symptoms likely stem from changing levels of hormones and brain chemicals during the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones that control the menstrual cycle.

 Before each period, cells lining the uterus release prostaglandins, hormones that help this organ contract to push out the uterine lining during menstruation. Prostaglandins also may be responsible for flu-like symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and chills.
Fatigue could be related to changing levels of serotonin and other brain chemicals.

 Serotonin contributes to the irritability some women experience around the time of their period.

How Is Period Flu Diagnosed?

Because period flu isn't an official medical condition, doctors don't have any specific tests to diagnose it.

 The diagnosis is mainly based on symptoms. To help your doctor diagnose you, keep a diary of your period symptoms for at least two cycles. Other parts of the diagnostic process include a medical history and tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, like viral infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treatment and Medication Options for Period Flu

Some of the same treatments for PMS help with period flu.

 A combination of medications and complementary therapies can offer symptom relief.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Period flu, like PMS, is likely related to hormone changes.

 Birth control containing estrogen plus progestin (the synthetic form of progesterone) or progestin alone balances out hormone levels and may help with symptoms.

Hormonal birth control comes in these forms:

Other Medication Options

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block prostaglandins, which may be responsible for some period flu symptoms.

 They come in over-the-counter and prescription forms, and may help with symptoms like headache, fever, and body aches.
Examples of these pain relievers are:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

Complementary and Integrative Therapies

The following complementary therapies may help to improve your symptoms.

  • Acupuncture Practitioners of this traditional form of Chinese medicine place very thin needles into specific points around the body to relieve pain and promote healing. There's some evidence that acupuncture might help with menstrual mood symptoms.

  • Yoga and Meditation Stress makes PMS symptoms worse.

     A yoga or meditation practice eases stress by calming the mind and relaxing the body.

     Research finds yoga helpful for PMS symptoms.
  • Herbal Remedies Chasteberry, which comes from a tree native to the Mediterranean and Asia, may improve PMS headaches, breast pain, and mood changes.

     Some women use ginkgo, ginger, and evening primrose oil to treat PMS symptoms, although there's limited evidence that these remedies are effective.

     Talk to a doctor before trying any herbal product to make sure it's safe for you.

Prevention of Period Flu

Although it's not always possible to prevent period flu, lifestyle habits like exercising and eating a well-balanced diet can make symptoms less bothersome.

 Some women take birth control pills to relieve period pain and ease PMS symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes for Period Flu

No specific lifestyle changes are recommended for period flu, but some of the same strategies that help with PMS might help with its symptoms.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Blood sugar swings contribute to the irritability and other mood symptoms women experience during this time of the month.

 Eating smaller meals throughout the day helps to keep blood sugar levels steady. Focus on foods that are healthy and filling, like:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Proteins such as tofu, beans, chicken, and fish
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Olive oil
Calcium not only builds strong bones, but research finds that it helps with PMS symptoms.

 Foods like yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, and fortified orange juice are all sources of calcium. If you aren't getting the recommended 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily from foods alone, ask your doctor about taking a supplement.

Exercise Regularly

Women who are very active report fewer PMS symptoms.

 Try to get in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or bike riding at least five days a week.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping well is important for both physical and emotional health.

 Good sleep can combat the irritability, headaches, and other symptoms that go with PMS and period flu. However, hormonal changes around the time of menstrual periods can trigger insomnia and make it harder to get a refreshing night's sleep.
To ensure you're sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours nightly, practice good sleep habits:

  • Try to get on a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  • Do something relaxing at night before bed, like taking a warm bath (which also helps with menstrual cramps).
  • Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  • Minimize light and noise.

How Long Does Period Flu Last?

Period flu may show up every month with menstrual periods, but it shouldn't last more than a few days.

 The symptoms typically start a few days before a period and go away once it starts. Rarely do symptoms continue for a week or more. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can make period flu less uncomfortable.

Research and Statistics: How Many People Have Period Flu

PMS is very common, particularly among women in their thirties.

 More than 90 percent of women report symptoms like headaches, bloating, and moodiness around the time of their period. But it's hard to know exactly how many people have period flu.

Conditions Related to Period Flu

Period flu is a form of PMS — a collection of symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, bloating, and cramps that occur around the time of menstrual periods.

 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of PMS. PMDD includes symptoms like:

  • Down mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Crying bouts
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Tiredness or low energy
  • Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
  • Physical symptoms like muscle and joint aches, headaches, breast soreness, and bloating
These symptoms start about a week before your period and will end within a few days of your period starting.

 PMDD is a long-term condition that gets more severe over time. Treatments include antidepressants, birth control pills, and lifestyle changes.

The Takeaway

  • Period flu isn't a medical condition.
  • Symptoms of period flu may include body aches, nausea and vomiting, chills, and headaches that happen just before a period.
  • Symptoms should only last a few days and improve once the period starts.
  • Birth control pills, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help manage period flu symptoms.

Common Questions & Answers

What is period flu?

Period flu is a type of PMS. It's a group of symptoms, including headache, body aches, and chills, that start around the time of a period and feel like the flu.

Many women have symptoms like a headache, body aches, chills, and fever before or during their period. These can be symptoms of PMS or period flu.

Cold or flu-like symptoms can be part of period flu.

No. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the belly. It causes painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pain during sex.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. What Is 'Period Flu'? How Your Period Can Cause Flu-Like Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. November 6, 2023.
  2. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Office on Women's Health. February 3, 2025.
  3. Cofer A. Why Bad Period Symptoms Can Feel Like the Flu. UW Medicine. January 19, 2023.
  4. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Johns Hopkins Medicine.
  5. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Mayo Clinic. February 25, 2022.
  6. Premenstrual Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. January 20, 2025.
  7. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Cleveland Clinic. July 24, 2023.
  8. Armour M et al. Acupuncture and Acupressure for Premenstrual Syndrome. Cochrane Library. August 14, 2018.
  9. Pal A et al. Stress and Rumination in Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Identifying Stable and Menstrual Cycle-Related Differences in PMS Symptom Severity. Journal of Affective Disorders & Gynecology. July 24, 2023.
  10. Kappen M et al. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Yoga in Management of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. December 15, 2022.
  11. What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do? Cleveland Clinic. November 22, 2022.
  12. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Mayo Clinic. February 25, 2022.
  13. Managing Menstruation with Hormonal Contraceptives. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. November 18, 2019.
  14. Shobeiri F et al. Effect of Calcium on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science. January 15, 2017.
  15. Kawabe R et al. The Relationship Between High Physical Activity and Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Female College Students. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and and Rehabilitation. September 26, 2022.
  16. Mighani S et al. Association Between Sleep Quality and Premenstrual Syndrome in Young Women in a Cross-Sectional Study. Scientific Reports. February 20, 2025.
  17. Solodar J. Sleep Hygiene: Simple Practices for Better Rest. Harvard Medical School. January 31, 2025.
  18. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Kara Smythe, MD

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Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and her interests include improving maternal health, ensuring access to contraception, and promoting sexual health.

She graduated magna cum laude from Florida International University with a bachelor's degree in biology and earned her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She worked in Maine for six years, where she had the privilege of caring for an underserved population.

Smythe is also passionate about the ways that public health policies shape individual health outcomes. She has a master’s degree in population health from University College London and recently completed a social science research methods master's degree at Cardiff University. She is currently working on her PhD in medical sociology. Her research examines people's experiences of accessing, using, and discontinuing long-acting reversible contraception.

When she’s not working, Smythe enjoys dancing, photography, and spending time with her family and her cat, Finnegan.

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Stephanie Watson is a freelance health writer who has contributed to WebMD, AARP.org, BabyCenter, Forbes Health, Fortune Well, Time, Self, Arthritis Today, Greatist, Healthgrades, and HealthCentral. Previously, she was the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch and Mount Sinai’s Focus on Healthy Aging. She has also written more than 30 young adult books on subjects ranging from celebrity biographies to brain injuries in football.
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