Are You Dealing with Period Flu?

Tara Chadwick, M.D., a board certified gynecologist and specialty trained surgeon The Gynecology Center at Mercy, responded to questions from Forbes Health concerning what some refer to as 'period flu'. While not a recognized clinical condition, 'period flu' refers to flu-like symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headache that some women experience about the time of their period. Symptoms can be similar to that of dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Dr. Chadwick notes that endometriosis can also to be to blame. Below is Dr. Chadwick's response.

Period flu is not a clinical diagnosis. Some patients may experience painful cycles with accompanying symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements. Typically, flu-like symptoms with a period can be a sign of endometriosis. Endometriosis is where the cells inside the uterine lining are found outside the uterus in the abdomen. The endometrial implants can cause significant inflammation and pain. Depending on the location, they can also cause other symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The endometrial implants respond to hormones since they are the same tissue found within the uterus. When you have the normal hormonal changes with the menstrual cycle, these implants can become stimulated and lead to the 'flu-like' symptoms that some patients experience.

If you are having any of those symptoms, you should follow-up with your gynecologist. The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through surgery, however, if endometriosis is suspected there are options for medical management. Typically, endometriosis symptoms can be treated with menstrual regulation with hormonal control, which would be some type of birth control option. Otherwise, there has been data showing that the pain from endometriosis can be improved with regular exercise and a low inflammation diet. NSAID medications like Motrin can also be used to help treat symptoms of endometriosis.

A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Chadwick completed an advanced surgical training during her Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Mercy Medical Center. Her advanced training allows her to provide sought-after surgical options, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery for hysterectomies as well as other GYN procedures.