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Original poster

Period flu

54 replies

SPH112 · 17/10/2022 21:52

Does anyone else get this?

For a few months now I've been feeling ill exactly 1 week before my periods. It feels like a cold/flu. Extreme fatigue, aches, low grade temp, feeling rundown.

I hadn't thought anything of it but then started noticing a pattern

OP posts:
AgapanthusandAcers · 17/10/2022 21:54

I get this. Usually closer to when it starts and lasts a few days after it starts. I only realised the pattern a year ago....bit bloody late as I'm in my early 40s...

RTHJ14 · 17/10/2022 21:57

I’ve got it now!! It’s so odd isn’t it… always day before & first day for me so doesn’t last long, but I honestly struggle to function properly. Just want to lie down and sleep xx

SirBlobby · 17/10/2022 22:04

How strange was just thinking this today, run down and suddenly feel like I've got a cold but it's settled down by this eve'

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ANiceBigCupOfTea · 17/10/2022 22:05

I get this too, mainly just pure exhaustion a day or two before and a bit achy.

piratehugs · 17/10/2022 22:08

I've started getting this but only in the last couple of years, in my 40s. I get a sore throat and feel run down and think, uh-oh, is this a cold or covid? Then my period starts and oh! the mystery cold has disappeared.

PugInTheHouse · 17/10/2022 22:11

I am early 40s and have recently started getting this. A year or so ago migraines started (had them years ago but they stopped) now I seem to getting an upset stomach and flu like symptoms. It's awful.

ColeensBoot · 17/10/2022 22:15

I get this. Nurofen taken just as the symptoms start. Heads it off.

BMWfries · 17/10/2022 22:16

Oh my goodness I’ve just twigged that yes, I get this. I thought I was getting poorly

user35638673 · 17/10/2022 22:20

Yup! Indigestion then hot for a couple of days (that bit is good, it saves on the heating) then migraine, runny nose and sore throat. Weird.

Shinyhappyperson22 · 17/10/2022 22:23

Yup early 40s and defo feel more ‘off’ now before most of my periods. Headaches(low level) are an issue. Thanks hormones!

Dillwyninthebath · 17/10/2022 22:29

Yes I do.

PugInTheHouse · 17/10/2022 22:37

Are these just normal periods symptoms, or something else? Menopause symptoms? I was going to go to the doctors as didn't realise it was something that was clearly quite common.

JodiMahoney · 17/10/2022 22:39

Yes, I get this

I was told the sore throat could be down to changes in progesterone , apparently it can affect throat muscles and allow acid to rise up and cause irritation, not sure how true that is.

it started in peri menopause for me!

SirBlobby · 17/10/2022 22:54

@PugInTheHouse
Hope it's not menopause! I'm only 29 and would like a 2nd DC

Original poster
SPH112 · 17/10/2022 22:56

My periods have always been really heavy and I have always had bad pms symptoms especially tender boobs, bad mood swings. I've also in the past few years started getting bad cramps when I'm ovulating. But this "period flu" is fairly new I think unless I never connected the dots

OP posts:
RogueV · 17/10/2022 22:59

Yes I can relate to this I am late 30s, it’s not every cycle but some

FrangipaniBlue · 17/10/2022 22:59

Another in her 40s who gets period flu.

and weirdly, DH gets my mood swings . Starts about 48hrs before my period.

WTF is that about?

Foxgluv · 17/10/2022 23:46

Yes. Have always had it. Every month. Except during pregnancy when it's everyday. My hormones are devious.

Chloefairydust · 18/10/2022 01:22

Maybe it’s ovulation causing the symptoms? Or like the hormones fluctuating during your cycle?

DramaAlpaca · 18/10/2022 01:37

I'm postmenopausal now, but no I don't recognise this at all so obviously I've never had it.

Arou · 18/10/2022 02:27

Yes I definitely get this! I’ve googled this very question too.

CherryMaple · 18/10/2022 05:19

I have always had this. Agree with the PP that Nurofen heads it off.

Intelligenthair · 18/10/2022 05:27

Yes, had it on and off for years- sore throat, achey, beyond exhausted then…. Period! I read it was fluctuating progesterone I think.

stripeymonster · 18/10/2022 05:40

Yes, seems to be getting worse as I get older. Now 45 , really sore throat, diarrhoea, migraine. Feel awful for a couple of days before period starts.

PugInTheHouse · 18/10/2022 20:49

@SirBlobby very unlikely then in that case, sounds like it's really common. I am definitely getting worse with symptoms, I have bought loads more strong painkillers for next month to see if that helps.