flu-like symptoms EVERY MONTH with period. anyone else? any help?

[monthlymalaise]

So I have a splitting headache, stuffy nose, nausea, body aches . . . like a bad case of flu, only it's not. It's the first two-three days of EVERY period, EVERY bloody month (pun intended). I am 44 and this has been going on for two or three years now, though with increasing severity this year, to the point where it's every month instead of being every few months or every other month. Am completely fed up with missing out on life, having people imply that I'm "sickly" or just making excuses to get out of doing things, having GP make vague suggestion that if I work out the symptoms may ease . . . . This is not "just cramps" or PMT. I have had those and I got on with life. This, by contrast, has me bedridden and miserable.

Who else here suffers with this, and have you gotten any help from your doctor? Any alternative medicine-type treatment work for you? I have been trying acupuncture and have now started on some Chinese herbs. I can't go on like this -- it's interfering with my life too much and I'm really angry that apparently I'm supposed to just accept this diminished quality of life. I am unemployed right now and can't see how any employer would put up with me having to book off sick two-three days a month, either.

I have doctor's appointment on Friday and in the mean time have purchased a home menopause test as my doctor said I was too young to be going through menopause (43). The home test has revealed I am positive for menopause. I feel relieved that my symptoms are not because of something more sinister and I thoroughly recommend purchasing one. At the very least it will tell you if your hormones are whacked!! m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Menopause-Test-Kit-Home-Use-Female-Fertility-/253535658244?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D4%26pub%3D5574631662%26toolid%3D10001%26campid%3D5338243305%26customid%3De478aeae46a21deccff309110f83faed%26mpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.co.uk%252Fitm%252FMenopause-Test-Kit-Home-Use-Female-Fertility-%252F253535658244%253Fvar%253D%26srcrot%3D710-53481-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D1839680448454%26rvr_ts%3D9f0e1fcf1680aade3d8220fafffed6c2&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true

Doctor was interested in my menopause test results and sent me for blood test to check levels. Results came back showing elevated levels of FSH and he offered HRT. I opted for the progesterone only pill with a view to speak with my gynaecologist about HRT. I wasn't tested for hormones before as they said I was too young for menopause (43 but after a year of suffering it is now confirmed peri menopause. I'm so relieved as I thought I was going crazy. I took my tablet and honestly I feel great already. Hope and relief.

I have been getting the same! I am 41, and sitting here dreading going to work today, as I feel like I have the flu, then just realised I have just come on.
I've been getting it monthly, but this month has been the worse.
Has anyone else managed to succeed in getting any better?
I'm so glad I looked at this page, thought I was going mad lol x

Hey Stephybear, I'm so sorry you are feeling like this. It truly is the worse! Mine started when I was 42 completely out of the blue and then got progressively worse. It's very frustrating when doctor's are advised not to check hormone levels in woman under the age of 45.

I started on progesterone only mini pill under 2 months ago to stop the nausea and diarrhea. It has stopped those things. But wow, after 10 days I crashed again with all the other symptoms. I need estrogen desperately.

Nobody understands how debilitating it is. I simply could not work like this and that in its self causes stress and stress makes it worse.

I'm currently waiting for a gynecologist appointment to discuss and start HRT.

I've learnt over this last 18 months i dragged my heels wondering if it will pass soon, listening to many doctor's tell me I'm just anxious. But honestly, we should not have to endure the suffering, fluctuating hormones can bring. Get the ball rolling immediately. Act like you've had this for over a year and get to the bottom of it quickly. Put it on your list of 'i must rule peri menopause out'. Do it for your sanity.

I have become housebound due to often passing out in public so I'm holding out for the HRT. Hopefully only another 2 months and I should start to feel more like my energetic self again. I really miss myself and my family looking forward to feeling better.

I always have the symptoms a week before I start my period. It started about 2 years ago, I’m used it.... just another thing to add to my list of symptoms I have because of a thyroid issue 😩

Hi Frenchietai. My 12 year old has exactly the same. What was your outcome? Thanks

Hi, Firstly, I'm sorry you're going thru this. I know how difficult it is. I'm 32yrs old & am dealing with the same thing. splitting headaches that sometimes last for 2 or 3 days despite otc pain relievers - extreme fatigue - nausea/vomiting & body aches that are far worse than any flu I've ever had... I mean, it feels similar to how I imagine fibromylasia must feel. Whole body feels like a huge bruise & intense pain if I touch myself anywhere, not to mention if somone else does. Brings me to tears. This condition is NO JOKE. -- Before I had kids, (2 boys) my periods were effortless, no cramps, no acne, no pms & they only lasted 3-4 days. But now... I mean, I'd honestly rather die. :(

I've done some extensive research on this (cos I hate going to the doc, esp obgyn) and it seems this occurs because of a hormone imbalace, particularly a lack of estrogen & progesterin. I had my tubes tied after my 2nd kid, idk if that contributes to this imbalance. Or perhaps just that I only had boys which raises your testosterone levels & therefore would throw other hormones out of whack. (these are my best guesses only, I'm not a doctor) Anyway, I'm currently looking into getting estrogen & progesterine online in cream forms, in the hopes it will help without having to take birth control pills. Perhaps looking into this as well yourself could help. I will post here again to report effectiveness.

Hang in there, you're not alone.

I thought I was going crazy or going to die! I’m 22 years old with a 1 year old, but my “period flu” symptoms started around 2 months ago. I started noticing that a few days before my period I would feel naseous and achy. But this month has been the worst! I started my period about 4 days ago and since the very first night I felt super tired and next morning I woke up with stomach flu symptoms (abdominal cramps, nausea, achiness) I really thought it was the flu but there has been no actual vomiting or anything, just the pain. Thought I would feel better the next day but I woke up extremely achy from all my body specially my back like I had been beaten or run over. That combined with nausea throughout the day. It felt like a stomach virus that was never going away. Today I woke up feeling much better, still a bit achy and less nausea. I got online and discovered that I’m not alone and a lot of women suffer from this terrible feeling.
I’m hoping once my period ends I’ll feel back to normal but man this is the worst feeling ever specially when you have to take care of a baby :(

I’m 25 and I’ve been getting the same thing for the last three years. Did you ever find an answer? I’ll try anything at this point!

This used to happen to me when I was young. Not since my early 20s, though. No idea what changed.

Hey All.
On my 5th day of feeling like hell.
This has been a year, every month, twice a month of all of the above symptoms your all experiencing.
I used to get it now & again but as ive got older 38, its worse.
Ive been going to the doctors a year now. Blood tests. Vitamin D deficiency. Smear test. Clear!
ive changed diet, got a PT, alcohol once every few months. Take vitamin D, B12 injections. No improvement! I bought some Evening Primrose oil D6 today, so will see how that goes. Doctor calling me tomorrow to go over new contraceptive. Also bought menopause checker.
I am honestly going to find the root of this, i am fed up. No one understands. They just tell you to get on with it. I feel for each & everyone of you. Last step will be going private.
Ive read all comments, screenshot key points.
Thank you for sharing xxx

Hi Everyone!

I started suffering BADLY from the period flu suddenly from last October, and after searching the internet and finding nothing I asked a friend of mine who is a herbal doctor. She recommended me to take Agnus Castus which is a plant extract which has been used to regulate hormones/periods/pms since ancient Greek times. It is stated you need to take it for 3 months to receive the full effects, though I have been taking it since Mid December and my period this month arrived without the flu!!

If you have tried everything else and your doctors haven't suggested anything useful to you please go ahead and try this. :) I bought mine in Holland & Barratt (high st UK)

Claire xxx

So glad to be reading this. Have had cold like/sinusitis symptoms for last 4 months, same time and place, at on set of cycle. First two months, felt like severe sinusitis. Doc said virus once; so, I didn’t call next month. Third month, knocked me on my tail for two days with low grade, coughing, feeling terrible, felt better for next day and a half (teaser), then, same knock out punch for two days, all same symptoms. Felt like the flu with no high temps but low grade. Doc said rhino virus on first two days, but then due to no voice and ear pain on second set of days, they prescribed an antibiotic. This time, I have only had a severe sore throat. Thought it was strep, but I have no fever. Doc says virus and prescribed steroid. I only started correlating all dates today and confirming relationships of cycle and sickness. Have had no major issues in past. After reading so many entries from present to many years ago, I’m going to opt for an herb or two, getting gut healthy and adding Vit K2, and Vit D (sunshine! 😉) Will update progress as it comes and will keep following... Hoping and praying so many of you find relief and answers.

I'm reading this lying on the sofa. Symptoms are massive headaches, sore sinuses, muscle weakness (holding my phone is tiring my arms!), fatigue, no uterine cramps at all, but pains in my groin and down my inner thighs, neck ache, eye pain, sensitivity to light, dizziness, some weird pressure behind my ears. Basically I can't function at least one day a month.

I feel like this every single month for a day or two before my period starts, then it ramps up on day 1. It's been happening for a good three years, possibly more. I'm early 40s. Dr says not peri menopause. I've had vitamin levels checked (for another reason) and they're fine. And going to get mirena to see if that helps as also have slightly irregular periods, so I never know if I'm actually getting sick, or if my period is coming. I'm really sick of it. I feel fine usually on a day 2 of my period, however, my period on day 1 can also be very heavy. Sometimes it's almost all done in one day.

Today was the first day I searched "period flu", if never occurred to me to call it that before!

Before kids I used to have horrific period pain that sometimes had me on the floor. After giving birth, the cramps completely disappeared, but not long after these period flu symptoms started. I basically have the feeling that my body, for whatever reason, can't cope with menstruation. I certainly can't cope with this situation!

I'm 40, and have forgotten how long I've had this, I'd say at least a few years. Every month, a day or two before my period, I get a sore throat (and feel rotten). It's a bit like mild strep throat. It's not debilitating but it's undeniably linked to my cycle. I thought for a long time it must be some sort of cycle related reduced immunity making me succeptible but I've been in lockdown with covid 19 in Australia for two periods now and both times I've still got the symptoms.

I would love to read any academic research people have found on this. Or be part of a study. Probably won't happen though because, you know, we're women and this is probably all in our heads right? Hmmmm

Could it be migraine? Menstrual migraine is not uncommon and could account for a number of your symptoms. I get them and sometimes feel flu like with shivers, headache, nausea and stomach ache. Headache and nausea together are migraine flags. Migraine can even cause a bit of stuffy nose, I remember reading. Just a thought.

I’m 37 and have suffered with ridiculous heavy periods for a couple of years now, also have the worse moods pre period to the point i worry I’m losing the plot..: for the last year I also have been feeling so unwell at the end and post period for about a week, constant headache, sinus pain, sore throat, lethargic and achy, it’s getting me so down as I feel like I lose 2 weeks a month to feeling like this

I had this for a while. I cannot take hormonal contraception so have researched extensively. Always been interested in diet.

What helped me is:

The Cycle Diet (see website)
Seed Cycling (easy to find on google)
High strength vitamin D

If you just try one thing I would say eat vegetarian only for the couple of days before your period (meat is harder work for the immune system).

Omg I'm so glad too find this.

Last month during my mid April cycle I felt really warm. And as it happens my thermometer stop working. I manage too buy one 5 days before my period. When I checked it, it was 37.7 (according too my ear one its normal and flashes green when it is) I thought that quite high for me and as I had a slight cough and its lockdown with covid19 I got a little worried, but o havent been anywhere apart from walks no shops all home delivery etc. Anyway the next few days I was getting readings of 37.8/37.9 then i started too think if it covid19. I was getting hot flushes every few seconds one day especially, chills, hot and cold and my temperature would rise too low grade fever. Anyway me and my family where tested for covid19 and it was negative too our relief. I was still getting temp, I always get short of breath just b4 period too. Then the day before my period temp was normal. Then on my period and day after was still low grade fever. But felt fine near end of cycle and I didnt check temp again until...

This month May on cycle day 22, started feeling much warmer again and low grade fever, 37.8,37.9 I have a cough no phlegm and had a sore throat. Phoned my doctor, he doesnt think it's a red alert for covid19 as last month I had temp and negative. He asked about my cough and I was like I have this cough it comes and goes for what seems the last few months, my daughter who's 5 always tends too be coughing! Anyway I'm in antibiotics 3 times a day too see if it's that if not he told my too check my cycles the next few months.

Started too feel it's all hormone related now.

When I gave birth too my daughter, 14 hours after I developed high blood. I remember my doctor saying its because my hormones didnt rise properly.

My symptoms pre menstrual tend too be

Sore left breast pain
Low grade fever
Face gets hot especially the left side!
Short of breath (a few days can vary b4 period or during)
Forgetful
Teary
Sore throat
Tiredness
Lose of appetite sometimes or increase
Tingling in hands
Toes on feet where slight numb yesterday 🤔
Chills
Coughing (could be seasonal too as I have grass pollen allergies)

I cant stand feeling hot 😥 it really upsets me. 2 days ago it was so hot outside and my temperature was 38 I felt like ripping my skin off. It's got me do down, I feel a bit depressed by all this.

Even though I know the chances its covid it slim as since my last testing I only have been on of 5 walks and no shops. It's just all scary right now and what a time too keep experiencing low grade fevers. 😥

Thanks for reading x

Forgot to mention I also spoke with my fertility consultant and he said during mid cycle your progesterone levels rise and it increase regulator body temperature. It stays rise until period and then slowly drops down.

Makes sense really. X

I'm off to the docs next weeks for bloods as each month on last two days period I start with sore throat which lasts a couple of days then it goes. I feel lousy. I'm almost 47 and this has been going on the last couple of years. I thought I was just run down but think it's more than that now. Has anyone had results or found something to help?

Very interested to find this thread - I’m 48. Have always suffered very heavy periods and finally had the mirena fitted at age 45 which helped. However, have noticed the last year or so that I feel like I’m getting flu most months and have been very aware of it during lockdown as am paying more attention to health symptoms.

I spoke with a doctor at a menopause clinic last month as I had decided to try HRT due to peri menopausal symptoms and she said period flu is definitely a thing. Am hoping that the oestrogen I’m now taking will eventually help - have only been on it a few weeks. But this week I’ve all the usual fluey symptoms - aching from my eyeballs to my toes and slight temperature. Have not left the sofa and am thoroughly fed up with the ups and downs of feeling like this and only feeling really well and normal for what seems like one or two weeks every month. Thinking of you all feeling the same.

Anyone had any luck with any solutions? Just wondering if those of you who've posted previously have had any success?

I am so glad I found this thread, although I know it is an old one. For years I have suffered around the time of ovulation. I get totally wiped out for 24hrs, and have to spend the day in bed. It was only when a colleague commented when I phoned in sick that it was 'like clockwork' that the penny dropped. Every month I have

• uncontrollable sneezing and runny nose, to the point the skin on my nose and top lip is rubbed raw from blowing it.

-runny eyes

• utter exhaustion

-foggy mind It is totally debilitating, I just can't function which is not great when I work and have 2 small children. I did speak to my GP and she suggested taking an anti-histamine to relieve the sneezing and runny eyes. I do take Piriton on my sneezy days. It does seem to ease the sneezing but it also knocks me out so I have to sleep so does not really solve the issue of not being able to function. It is really effecting my life now, as I get older it seems to happen for more than one day. I am now 44 and on the mini-pill. I feel desperate, also so glad to realise I am not alone. Whilst pregnant I didn't get the symptoms so it must be cycle/hormone related. I hope the anti-histamine advice helps but I am desperate to know feed back on previous comments in the thread - anything to help take this away!! Thanks so much

Sorry to hear that you're suffering too! I didn't get my symptoms last period (hurrah!), I had made some changes to my diet, eating more fruit, nuts, veg and fish, dropping processed food and sugar, I also dropped cow's dairy (but only for one week before my period), and I'd started taking an iron supplement as my iron levels were at the lower end. I've no idea if any of this worked or if it was just something I had for 4 periods then it stopped!