Period Flu May Be The Reason You Feel Horrendous Before Your Time Of The Month– www.glamourmagazine.co.uk

Hormonal fluctuations during the cycle:

Before your period, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply. These hormones influence many processes in the body—including your well-being.

The immune system weakens:

Prof. Dr. Mangler explains: “The immune system is less active during the second half of the cycle.” This means you’re more susceptible to illness—or at least feel that way.

Prostaglandins (important signaling molecules):

Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that affect bodily functions like inflammation and pain, they also prompt the uterus to contract to help dislodge your uterine lining (and trigger your period). That process can cause some unpleasant symptoms, like diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, and vomiting. The sorts of things you might mistake for being full-on sick.

Serotonin levels drop:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood. When levels drop, you’re more likely to feel exhausted, irritable, or sick.

Histamine and allergy-like reactions:

Your cycle also affects histamine levels. This can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, and skin reactions. This explains why some PMS symptoms feel like a cold.