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Experiencing muscle soreness and joint pain is a common symptom before and during menstruation. This discomfort is referred to as period flu, and it is caused by hormonal changes in the body. The pain can be felt in the bones, muscles, and skin around organs, and it can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, including caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol. While period flu is not a well-understood phenomenon, there are treatments available to alleviate the pain, such as over-the-counter medications, gentle exercise, and getting enough rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Period Flu | A term for symptoms that appear just before a period, similar to flu symptoms. |
| Dysmenorrhea | A term for menstrual discomfort, referring to menstrual pain caused by prostaglandins, which cause excessive uterus contractions. |
| Premenstrual Symptoms | Physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms influenced by psychological, social, and cultural factors. |
| Hormones | A barrage of hormones and chemicals (and sometimes a lack of them) can cause muscle and joint aches and pains. |
| Treatment Options | Hormonal contraceptives, anti-inflammatory medication, herbal remedies, exercise, and dietary changes. |
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Hormonal changes
Additionally, thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can cause hormonal imbalances resulting in fever, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms before menstruation. This condition is often referred to as "period flu" and can include muscle aches and overall body soreness. Period flu is distinct from influenza but shares similar symptoms, and its cyclical nature means the symptoms occur consistently just before a person's period.
The exact causes of period flu are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone or newer forms of progesterone may help treat premenstrual symptoms, including muscle aches. In more severe cases, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist medications may be prescribed. These medications suppress ovarian function and induce a menopausal state, effectively eliminating hormonal cycling and menstrual periods, which can alleviate severe premenstrual symptoms.
It is important to note that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can influence a range of physical and emotional symptoms, and the specific effects can vary among individuals.
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Uterine contractions
During true labour, uterine contractions become stronger, more frequent, and last longer over time. These contractions are characterised by rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles, which help push the fetus down the birth canal. The abdomen becomes hard during a contraction and softens between contractions. True labour contractions can cause discomfort or a dull ache in the back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. They may also be accompanied by emotional symptoms and physical signs, such as effacement and dilation, indicating the progress of labour.
The experience of uterine contractions during pregnancy and labour can vary among women. Some may describe the contractions as very strong and intense menstrual cramps, while others may feel a wave-like tightness moving downward from the top of the uterus. It is important to monitor the intensity, frequency, and duration of contractions to distinguish between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour contractions. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the nature of the contractions and provide guidance on when to head to the hospital or birthing centre.
While uterine contractions typically refer to those experienced during pregnancy and labour, it is worth noting that uterine contractions also occur during menstruation. These contractions can contribute to period pain or dysmenorrhea and may be associated with musculoskeletal pain. The release of prostaglandins during menstruation can cause excessive uterus contractions, leading to pain in the uterus, stomach, and surrounding areas. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can further exacerbate muscle and joint aches. Birth control pills and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be used to treat severe premenstrual symptoms.
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Endometriosis
While many women experience mood swings, bloating, and cramps during their periods, for those with endometriosis, the experience can be much more unbearable. Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that usually lines the uterus starts growing outside of it, most commonly on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the tissue lining the pelvis. This tissue, called the endometrium, thickens and is shed during a normal menstrual cycle. However, with endometriosis, the tissue outside the uterus is shed into the abdomen, causing pain, inflammation, swelling, and scarring, which leads to more severe menstrual cramps.
The pain associated with endometriosis can be debilitating and is often far worse than what women typically experience during their periods. The condition is progressive, meaning that the pain worsens over time as scar tissue accumulates. Endometriosis can also cause fertility problems, with about 25% to 50% of women with infertility having endometriosis. The disease can lead to infertility by causing scar tissue, as well as damage and inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging, as there is no simple test available. Pelvic pain may indicate endometriosis, but the only definitive way to diagnose it is through a laparoscopic surgical procedure, where a small telescope is inserted into the abdomen to look for endometrial tissue on reproductive organs, intestines, or other surfaces. However, if a woman has classic endometriosis symptoms, such as painful periods, hormonal birth control is usually the first step in treatment rather than surgery. Other treatment options include the use of progestin, which alters the hormones that cause the growth of the endometrium and its spread within the abdomen. While these hormonal treatments can help manage symptoms, they can also impact fertility.
In addition to painful periods, endometriosis can cause a vast number of symptoms in multiple organs, including bowel or bladder issues, ovarian cysts, and painful intercourse. As a result, women with endometriosis may be referred to various specialists, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical advice if you are experiencing painful periods, as treating the underlying cause is key to reducing the pain associated with endometriosis.
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Adenomyosis
The exact causes of adenomyosis are unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. These include childbirth-related inflammation, which may cause the dividing line between the endometrium and uterine wall to break down. Longer exposure to hormones, such as starting periods at an early age or having more frequent menstrual cycles, is another risk factor. Previous uterine surgeries, such as a caesarean section or removal of fibroids, may also increase the likelihood of developing adenomyosis.
The symptoms of adenomyosis can vary from mild to debilitating and can disrupt daily life. Treatment options include medication, hormone therapy, and surgery. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help relieve painful cramps and reduce menstrual flow. Hormonal treatments, including oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device (IUD), can also help manage symptoms by reducing bleeding.
In severe cases of adenomyosis or when fertility is affected, surgery may be considered. Minimally invasive techniques can be used to remove some of the damaged uterine wall or reduce blood supply to the affected area, providing symptom relief. A hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus, is a definitive cure for adenomyosis, although it results in the loss of menstrual cycles and fertility.
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Thyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition affects nearly 5% of Americans aged 12 and older, with a higher prevalence in women than men. It can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including heavy and frequent periods, irregular and absent cycles, and spotting between periods. The decreased thyroid hormone levels lead to increased production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin, which suppresses the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is necessary for the production of hormones important for normal ovarian function, and its decrease can result in menstrual irregularities. Hypothyroidism can also cause other symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain.
On the other hand, Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the body produces too much thyroid hormone. This condition can cause menstrual abnormalities, including absent or infrequent periods, light and short periods, and decreased fertility. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can result in hormonal imbalances that contribute to period sickness, including fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and digestive issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for your muscles and joints to ache during your period. This can be caused by a barrage of hormones and chemicals (and sometimes a lack of them) circulating around your body.
Period flu is not the same as influenza, but it is a term used to describe flu-like symptoms that occur just before a person's period. These symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and overall sickness.
There are many ways to relieve period muscle pain. Some medications that can help are over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, hormonal birth control pills, and herbal remedies such as devil's claw. Lifestyle changes that may help are getting enough sleep, gentle exercise, and avoiding caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol.
