flu-like symptoms EVERY MONTH with period.

[monthlymalaise]

I posted in "General Health" but since my GP has said maybe it's peri-menopause (not had my hormone levels checked, however) I am posting here as well.

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.

PookieDo, I'm in the the same boat as you.

I'm 38 and I have noticed a pattern over the past 3/4 months where I become extremely tired, and when I say tired I mean a crushing exhaustion just before and during my period. My periods previously always came and went with out much fuss.

Last month I thought I'd see how I'd get on this month before going to see a doctor. Today I spent most of the day in bed feeling like I was getting the flu and it was only when I noticed I was getting my period that I put two and two together and this is how I found this thread.

My worry is that going to see my GP will be a waste of time, it's a miracle that I can even get an appointment. Also, I'm 38 surely this is too early to be going into peri-menopause? I'd like to try for a second child but I'm not ready to do that until at least I'm 39, next year so this is also on my mind.

This is the first time that I've had these symptoms, I had always experienced normal tiredness and irritability but this is something new. I also work freelance and the exhaustion is truly debilitating.

This is such a relief to read. The last year I have felt terrible - flu-like symptoms and never well and its really, really getting to me. I am also sick of being told it's 'stress' when I'm really sure it's not. Today I went to see a new GP who was fab and who is taking my symptoms seriously, and also suggested it might be the perimenopause. I'm 45. Reading these posts I am amazed that others have felt similar and it gives me a glimmer of hope. Hoping you are all in better places now than when you posted your messages.

I used to get this a lot in my teen yrs, early 20s. Very rarely since. It seems like healthy lifestyle things helped. Just getting older has helped. I reckon that I've had every bug going now so none of them can get me (currently).

Well this is an interesting thread. I have had this on and off over the years, but in the last few years, I have had it more frequently. I am 48 and have missed my period after months of irregular ones (not pregnant) and from feeling fine this morning, I suddenly started aching and shivering. Temp is high even after paracetamol. Thinking about it I had similar two months ago. It is usually pretty short lived - I.e gone in 24 hours more or less. Hope that is the case this time as I am away.

Yes I get this! The lady who said she gets it pre ovulation..yes I do too! And what with that and pmt it knocks out 2 weeks of every month..no joke. I've been in bed the last 2 days and off work for a week with a flu like cold which has now turned into a kind of stomach bug. No vomiting etc but nausea and horrendous cramps like I've been kicked right in the centre of my stomach. I have no appetite. I've put it down to a virus but i'm wondering if its peri-menopausal. I'm 46 and we've been ttc dc2 after having ds at 41.. I know I've left it too late. The monthly symptoms are getting more unbearable. I heard GPs don't like prescribing HRT unless they have no choice but as user1494427269 says if they can send people into space, surely we can solve this awful debitilating condition! The risks of HRT are apparently too high for some GPs to feel comfortable prescribing but the alternative is years and years of hell.

Im 48. Have been experiencing mild peri menopause symptoms for a few years. Since July 2018, other than one month, I have gotten a cold on day 3 of my period. Pretty much like clockwork. Had in depth blood work done, including hormone panels, doc says nothing is wrong with me. I work out 3 days a week and ski, bike or hike at least 2 dats a week. I have 2 daughters, 7&10 that I homeschool. I have spent more time in bed in the last 6 months sick than in the last decade. I am so freaking frustrated I do not know what to do. I’ve been seeing my chiro/naturopath regularly for 2 months. Going to try Chinese medicine next. I guess it’s a relief to know I’m not alone, but not really!

Hi.

How are you now? Any answers? I'm 43. I get these flu like symptoms all the time but seems cyclical. It's hard for me to know because I had a hysterectomy when I was 27. I still have my ovaries. I wonder if I'm perimenopausal.

Anyways they seem to think I have chronic fatigue syndrome which basically can knock you on your butt with flu type symptoms. They subside after rest could be days or weeks of rest and come back if you've overdone things again.

I have been perimenauposal for over a year now. For the past 6 months i have had flu like symptoms as well before my period starts. . It comes every 35-75 days and i am bed ridden. I also suffer migraine, and they have gotten more and more frequent. I can tell my husband doesn’t understand i am sure it’s as frustrating for him. And i am tired of felling sick, exhausted, foggy and snippy... I see a natural path this week as well as a woman who specializes in radionics. Hoping to get some answers.

I'm currently lying awake in bed shivering yet with a temperature and sore throat. Period due in 4 days and I get this every month.

Have DS birthday party to organise in 2 days.