I have been getting sore throats before my cycle. Once I realized this wasn't a coincidence I did my research and found your video, which was very helpful. Thank you!
I never get a sore throat, but for the past 3-4 months, I definitely get flu-like symptoms, including nausea ( sometimes throwing up ) migraine on one side of my face, dizziness, upset stomach, lower back pain, fatigue, loss of appetite! It’s usually so bad, I’m in bed for at least a full day! Every 5 yrs or so, I notice that my period/pms symptoms change, but this is by far the worst!
Treasure! Thank you thank you for sharing this with us. Those simple steps works wonders. Eating early, removing screens before bed, sleeping on side, nose strips and mouth taping have helped me a ton! The description is pretty thoughtful and I see lot of work went to presenting it! A shout out to you and your team Dr.Park. thank you and lots of love
So glad to hear it helped. I bet this problem is much more common than you think. These steps are not just for throat pain, but for better sleep in general. Please forward this video to others that may benefit.
I suffer this a lot. I've been down 3 days before my period with mouth sore. I sneezed constantly for 3 days. Sore throat, fever, migraines. This is what I go through. To top it up, very intense menstrual pain that I can't even move.
I have the aches (my back usually being the most extreme) fatigue, moodiness, and sore throat that feels like a lump on one side, which actually hurts me while trying to sleep on my side. The throat pains also lasts my whole menstrual cycle. While I may not get this symptom all the time, I do get it frequently, and this last menstrual cycle, the pain was so intense and actually altered my voice as if I was coming down with a cold and made sleeping difficult because of the pain. I watched this whole video and I really appreciate the care you have put into trying to teach us the why and how to fix these symptoms. I’m a little disheartened though because the methods you described to help fix the symptoms, a good majority I already do. I haven’t checked my products and I don’t sleep with my head raised but I’m currently doing keto, so little to no sugar or carbs. I also do intermediate fastening and my “eating window” ends way before bedtime. I do tend to read e books before bed but I have a blue light screen protector on my phone. I’m not a back sleeper by nature, i strictly sleep on my side or stomach. So even with almost all the to-do’s crossed off, I’m still having these issues. Am I doomed lol? Do you think I should seek out different treatment options?
Hi Doctor Park, thank you for the video. I have been experiencing throat pain, extreme fatigue and sometimes also stuffy nose and other flu-like symptoms 5-7 days before my period. This has been the case for almost a year now, almost every month. The other solution I have been offered by the doctor is birth control pills. Can they help?
Ika, sorry to hear. Did you try the conservative remedies that I mentioned in the video? It works most of the time, but not all the time. Taking hormones can help, but it's not a natural solution, and it can have side effects. One major issue in most women is the concept of estrogen dominance. Due to excess estrogen-like stimulating chemicals in our environment, food and water, it lowers progesterone, which is the main hormone that keeps your tongue muscles taught and your airway more open at night, so you don't have as much acid reflux. Read up on estrogen dominance and you'll see a number of steps you can take. I don't know if you're overweight, but that also raises your estrogen levels. Good luck, and please keep us updated.
Thanks you for your videos and information! I’ve been chronically ill over the last year post a major respiratory event - it happened during my period, and every period since I’ve had the “Cold” scenarios with infected tonsils, IBS, stuffy and itchy, respiratory issues, MAJOR neurological issues, the works. Every specialist I’ve seen so far have been capable clinicians. The allergist practically kicked me out the door with a GI referral despite exhibiting almost no big symptoms and not fitting the physical profile AT ALL. Everyone has asked me sleep questions, migraine questions, GERD questions, Asthma questions. (Everyone is thinking in the same territory, but they can’t really pinpoint cause. Tests keep being negative) but it’s been like the 3 blind men holding different parts of the elephant. And I definitely got the “blank stares” when I told them that the biggest flair events were absolutely linked with my period. It doesn’t solve everything, but your blog certainly checks a lot of boxes of very real things that have occurred, and ways to manage the fallout till we discover the root issue. It’s a breath of fresh air to have a whole host of my symptoms at least explained. I feel I can stop worrying so much now that at least one category of strangeness is boxed somewhat away. (The Estrogen BC experiment was…shall we say bad. It was hard to distinguish me from my grandmother - who was literally recovering from a stroke. For all I know I jumped out of migraines and into real strokes myself. But at least the amplification of what I was already experiencing is another clue. I feel we’re at least brushing the edges of the right direction). So again, thanks!
I typically experience achy body, headaches and severe fatigue for an entire week before my period. This can be debilitating. I can’t focus. Despite feeling tired, I also feel restless. I have tried herbal medicine. It helps a little but the pain is still there
It feels like a lump in my throat. Painful lump 9 days before periods ( noted this month) , along with breathing problems, chest tightness. These are few symptoms, there are so many others.
My throat has swollen up to the size of two golf balls, I have a mild headache, awful ear ache, and body pain. Can’t believe this could all be from my period. I’ve been off work for 2 days with this now 😢
I have problems with my hypopharynx :((( extremely painful. I have endometriosis but am not on birth control pills. Problems swallowing pain stabbing pains. No doctors knows what it is 😢Im still suffering.. (btw, does Prednisone help??)
Hi Doc, thank you so much for putting out this content. I have a question though: Can we take Iodine to counter estrogen dominance? I've been watching other videos related to estrogen dominance (like swollen and painful breasts, cysts, etc) and found that Iodine can help. I strongly believe I am having period flu right now along with constant soreness on my left breast that never went away since my last period a month ago. Yesterday and the day before, I took Iodine (Swanson Kelp 225mcg) and I noticed that my breast pain subsided quite significantly. I haven't taken Iodine today and the breast pain came back. No notable relief on my hot flashes though. But maybe Iodine will relieve period flu and estrogen dominance when taken regularly? Thank you in advance
Hello Doc, thank you for this very insightful content. I am coming across the term oeriod flu for the first time. For about 10 days now (13 days to my period) i have had fevers and chills, runny nose, bitter taste in mouth and all the flu-like symptoms but i haven't had any of my usual menstrual symptoms breats tenderness, bloating and abdominal cramps. All doctors have besoin given me are antibiotics, various onces but still dint feel fine. I am hoping its just the period flu annd nothing more because this started immediately after my ovulation. Its getting scary Any advice for me
JB, anything that causes inflammation can cause low-grade fevers. That's why this condition can be mistaken for a cold. Did you try the steps I recommended?
I’m on HRT femoston 2/10, following my ovaries being removed at the age of 30. I ALWAYS get a scratchy throat which feels like mucus is stuck there, this happens once I get to the second part of the pack which I believe is the progesterone section.. I’ve been suffering with this constantly every month for the past 15 years since being on the meds. I’ve mentioned this many times to the specialists who just fob me off
Thank you so much for this information. I have only begun to experience this in the past 2 years. I get the soar throat and usually end up coughing up a hard or very firm mucus with a tiny bit of blood. After that, my throat feels a little relief. Is that normal? Also, is it normal that this just started a couple of years ago out of no where? Again thank you
Hey Dr. Park! I find the label "sore throat" to be really general, so maybe what I have is different from other women. For me a "sore throat" before my period is an infection/swelling/pain in my tonsils, just my tonsils get swollen and painful from within. There is no other soreness or anything in the rest of my throat. I also commonly get yeast infections and the sore throat is at its worst when vaginal infections are at their worst; there is a direct correlation. I've always wondered if this "sore throat" was a mild fluctuation in candida levels in the body that become a low grade temporary infection. I'm not a doctor, so I don't know, but I know it's important to get it right because I've been prescribed antibiotics and they don't seem to make a difference, in fact, if antibiotics can encourage candida infections, then it seems that getting the treatment right really matters. If it isn't candida and I'm wrong, can you explain why? Thanks!
You're right in that the symptom of sore throat is overly broad. In fact, it can be anything from throat pain to lump sensation to dryness or swollen glands. However, all of these symptoms (as well as others) are the result of acid reflux due the the process that I describe in the video. Yeast infections happen when your immune system is suppressed. During the period before your periods, I argue that your sleep quality goes down, which can suppress your immune system. Pepsin from your stomach (as well as acid) can cause your throat and neck glands to swell, feeling like a cold, but it's not due to bacterial infections. This is why antibiotics don't work, and should not be used in this situation.
This happens to me from 2 days before period until my ovulation date... is that timing possible? Do you recommend bioidentical progesterone? Thank you.
This pattern is somewhat unusual, but many people have it for weeks at a time or all the time. For example, many people with obstructive sleep apnea have chronic sore throats due to acid reflux. Bioidentical progesterone is a good option especially if you're peri or post-menopausal, but try the conservative steps I recommended first. Another option is to gargle with baking soda and water, but that's only temporary. Good luck.
I have something similar going on, but my throat pain is severe and I often see white spots or maybe they are ulcers on my throat when I get the flare up. I will start running a low grade temp in the few days leading up to my period and the day before or of, my throat will have the spots all over, be very inflamed and very sore, and I run a fever of 100 or more. This happens every month and I have to miss work because I'm so sick. My symptoms start to slowly go away as my period progresses, and close to the end I feel almost all the way better. I have had numerous blood tests, all within normal range. Throat swabs, all negative for strep. I've been to see doctors and to the hospital. My obgyn started me on birth control pills. I've been told to start ibuprofen in the days before my period. Nothing has helped and so far no doctor knows why I keep getting sick every month at the exact same time right before my period. I would like to think your suggestions would help me. However, my symptoms are just a little different with the higher fever. Do you think what I have going on is related to sleep?
Emily, as you can see from the variety of posts, everyone has different experiences. Give the tips I suggest a try. Even if it helps a little, it means you're going in the right direction. There's nothing to lose. There are more definitive steps to get to the next level, but start with the conservative basics first. Good luck, and please keep us updated on your progress.
Update to my original comment. This continued to happen every month. Starting a probiotic and vitamin D3 helped quite a bit. However, still have the sore throat, swollen glands and fever every month a few days before my menstrual cycle and until my period starts. After multiple doctor visits and ER visits, it turns out my sore throat is caused by mouth ulcers or canker sores, which cause high fever and swollen gland,, and I have found out I have PFAPA syndrome. Maintaining stress levels, vitamin D3, probiotic and gargling with salt water twice a day, and gargling with and swallowing honey at night helps relieve some throat and mouth pain. I just take ibuprofen and Tylenol during the episodes.
I have been getting sore throats before my cycle. Once I realized this wasn't a coincidence I did my research and found your video, which was very helpful. Thank you!
I never get a sore throat, but for the past 3-4 months, I definitely get flu-like symptoms, including nausea ( sometimes throwing up ) migraine on one side of my face, dizziness, upset stomach, lower back pain, fatigue, loss of appetite! It’s usually so bad, I’m in bed for at least a full day! Every 5 yrs or so, I notice that my period/pms symptoms change, but this is by far the worst!
me too
Wow I’m so glad the sore throat and headaches aren’t just me.
The 7 things to do starts at 10:00 min
Treasure! Thank you thank you for sharing this with us. Those simple steps works wonders. Eating early, removing screens before bed, sleeping on side, nose strips and mouth taping have helped me a ton!
The description is pretty thoughtful and I see lot of work went to presenting it! A shout out to you and your team Dr.Park. thank you and lots of love
So glad to hear it helped. I bet this problem is much more common than you think. These steps are not just for throat pain, but for better sleep in general. Please forward this video to others that may benefit.
I suffer this a lot. I've been down 3 days before my period with mouth sore. I sneezed constantly for 3 days. Sore throat, fever, migraines. This is what I go through. To top it up, very intense menstrual pain that I can't even move.
Ah, so it's not just me! I can't wait to try these simple solutions. THANK YOU!
I have the aches (my back usually being the most extreme) fatigue, moodiness, and sore throat that feels like a lump on one side, which actually hurts me while trying to sleep on my side. The throat pains also lasts my whole menstrual cycle. While I may not get this symptom all the time, I do get it frequently, and this last menstrual cycle, the pain was so intense and actually altered my voice as if I was coming down with a cold and made sleeping difficult because of the pain.
I watched this whole video and I really appreciate the care you have put into trying to teach us the why and how to fix these symptoms. I’m a little disheartened though because the methods you described to help fix the symptoms, a good majority I already do. I haven’t checked my products and I don’t sleep with my head raised but I’m currently doing keto, so little to no sugar or carbs. I also do intermediate fastening and my “eating window” ends way before bedtime. I do tend to read e books before bed but I have a blue light screen protector on my phone. I’m not a back sleeper by nature, i strictly sleep on my side or stomach. So even with almost all the to-do’s crossed off, I’m still having these issues. Am I doomed lol? Do you think I should seek out different treatment options?
Hi Doctor Park, thank you for the video. I have been experiencing throat pain, extreme fatigue and sometimes also stuffy nose and other flu-like symptoms 5-7 days before my period. This has been the case for almost a year now, almost every month. The other solution I have been offered by the doctor is birth control pills. Can they help?
Ika, sorry to hear. Did you try the conservative remedies that I mentioned in the video? It works most of the time, but not all the time. Taking hormones can help, but it's not a natural solution, and it can have side effects. One major issue in most women is the concept of estrogen dominance. Due to excess estrogen-like stimulating chemicals in our environment, food and water, it lowers progesterone, which is the main hormone that keeps your tongue muscles taught and your airway more open at night, so you don't have as much acid reflux. Read up on estrogen dominance and you'll see a number of steps you can take. I don't know if you're overweight, but that also raises your estrogen levels. Good luck, and please keep us updated.
I've been experiencing these things as well
Thanks you for your videos and information! I’ve been chronically ill over the last year post a major respiratory event - it happened during my period, and every period since I’ve had the “Cold” scenarios with infected tonsils, IBS, stuffy and itchy, respiratory issues, MAJOR neurological issues, the works. Every specialist I’ve seen so far have been capable clinicians. The allergist practically kicked me out the door with a GI referral despite exhibiting almost no big symptoms and not fitting the physical profile AT ALL. Everyone has asked me sleep questions, migraine questions, GERD questions, Asthma questions. (Everyone is thinking in the same territory, but they can’t really pinpoint cause. Tests keep being negative) but it’s been like the 3 blind men holding different parts of the elephant. And I definitely got the “blank stares” when I told them that the biggest flair events were absolutely linked with my period.
It doesn’t solve everything, but your blog certainly checks a lot of boxes of very real things that have occurred, and ways to manage the fallout till we discover the root issue. It’s a breath of fresh air to have a whole host of my symptoms at least explained. I feel I can stop worrying so much now that at least one category of strangeness is boxed somewhat away. (The Estrogen BC experiment was…shall we say bad. It was hard to distinguish me from my grandmother - who was literally recovering from a stroke. For all I know I jumped out of migraines and into real strokes myself. But at least the amplification of what I was already experiencing is another clue. I feel we’re at least brushing the edges of the right direction). So again, thanks!
I typically experience achy body, headaches and severe fatigue for an entire week before my period. This can be debilitating. I can’t focus. Despite feeling tired, I also feel restless. I have tried herbal medicine. It helps a little but the pain is still there
Crystal, did you try the steps that Sridevi tried?
@@stevenpark5218 hi, no. My achy body and headaches are so bad leading up to my period. I don’t know what to do. Please provide some guidance
@@crystalburton3232 do you get fevers as well?
@@tia7765 In the past, I felt feverish but it was never an actual fever. I would get hot flashes or night sweats during that time of the month
It feels like a lump in my throat. Painful lump 9 days before periods ( noted this month) , along with breathing problems, chest tightness. These are few symptoms, there are so many others.
Same here
My throat has swollen up to the size of two golf balls, I have a mild headache, awful ear ache, and body pain. Can’t believe this could all be from my period. I’ve been off work for 2 days with this now 😢
I don’t get sore feeling but swollen feeling like I have a lump in throat and it’s always on the first ovulation day and last a few days
I have problems with my hypopharynx :((( extremely painful. I have endometriosis but am not on birth control pills. Problems swallowing pain stabbing pains. No doctors knows what it is 😢Im still suffering.. (btw, does Prednisone help??)
Sorry to hear. Did you try the 7 steps I mentioned in the video? I also have a link to 7 more steps in the description.
Hi Doc, thank you so much for putting out this content. I have a question though: Can we take Iodine to counter estrogen dominance?
I've been watching other videos related to estrogen dominance (like swollen and painful breasts, cysts, etc) and found that Iodine can help.
I strongly believe I am having period flu right now along with constant soreness on my left breast that never went away since my last period a month ago.
Yesterday and the day before, I took Iodine (Swanson Kelp 225mcg) and I noticed that my breast pain subsided quite significantly. I haven't taken Iodine today and the breast pain came back. No notable relief on my hot flashes though. But maybe Iodine will relieve period flu and estrogen dominance when taken regularly?
Thank you in advance
Take butter for your hot flushes and lots of it my dear x
Hello Doc, thank you for this very insightful content. I am coming across the term oeriod flu for the first time. For about 10 days now (13 days to my period) i have had fevers and chills, runny nose, bitter taste in mouth and all the flu-like symptoms but i haven't had any of my usual menstrual symptoms breats tenderness, bloating and abdominal cramps.
All doctors have besoin given me are antibiotics, various onces but still dint feel fine. I am hoping its just the period flu annd nothing more because this started immediately after my ovulation.
Its getting scary
Any advice for me
Are fevers usually common?
JB, anything that causes inflammation can cause low-grade fevers. That's why this condition can be mistaken for a cold. Did you try the steps I recommended?
I already had a cold and then bam woke up with a period and earlier then expected 😡
I’m on HRT femoston 2/10, following my ovaries being removed at the age of 30. I ALWAYS get a scratchy throat which feels like mucus is stuck there, this happens once I get to the second part of the pack which I believe is the progesterone section.. I’ve been suffering with this constantly every month for the past 15 years since being on the meds. I’ve mentioned this many times to the specialists who just fob me off
Thank you so much for this information. I have only begun to experience this in the past 2 years. I get the soar throat and usually end up coughing up a hard or very firm mucus with a tiny bit of blood. After that, my throat feels a little relief. Is that normal? Also, is it normal that this just started a couple of years ago out of no where? Again thank you
I have night sweat and heavy period is that normal? I’m only 35
Hey Dr. Park! I find the label "sore throat" to be really general, so maybe what I have is different from other women. For me a "sore throat" before my period is an infection/swelling/pain in my tonsils, just my tonsils get swollen and painful from within. There is no other soreness or anything in the rest of my throat. I also commonly get yeast infections and the sore throat is at its worst when vaginal infections are at their worst; there is a direct correlation. I've always wondered if this "sore throat" was a mild fluctuation in candida levels in the body that become a low grade temporary infection. I'm not a doctor, so I don't know, but I know it's important to get it right because I've been prescribed antibiotics and they don't seem to make a difference, in fact, if antibiotics can encourage candida infections, then it seems that getting the treatment right really matters. If it isn't candida and I'm wrong, can you explain why? Thanks!
You're right in that the symptom of sore throat is overly broad. In fact, it can be anything from throat pain to lump sensation to dryness or swollen glands. However, all of these symptoms (as well as others) are the result of acid reflux due the the process that I describe in the video. Yeast infections happen when your immune system is suppressed. During the period before your periods, I argue that your sleep quality goes down, which can suppress your immune system. Pepsin from your stomach (as well as acid) can cause your throat and neck glands to swell, feeling like a cold, but it's not due to bacterial infections. This is why antibiotics don't work, and should not be used in this situation.
@@doctorstevenpark Thanks so much for your time, Dr. Park, this is very helpful food for thought.
@@michellepackman1484 My pleasure. Did you try the tips I recommended in the video?
Thank you so much for this, Doctor. I had no clue why I was feeling like this.
Great video.
This happens to me from 2 days before period until my ovulation date... is that timing possible? Do you recommend bioidentical progesterone? Thank you.
This pattern is somewhat unusual, but many people have it for weeks at a time or all the time. For example, many people with obstructive sleep apnea have chronic sore throats due to acid reflux. Bioidentical progesterone is a good option especially if you're peri or post-menopausal, but try the conservative steps I recommended first. Another option is to gargle with baking soda and water, but that's only temporary. Good luck.
Thank you to responding to your long standing thread
Dr Park my daughter is 9 yrs old and will be going on 3 months with period flu. What can I do she’s so little.
If it's chronic like this it's not period flu. But it could be sinus or acid reflux related. Perhaps take her to the pediatrician?
Thank You !
you're just great
I have something similar going on, but my throat pain is severe and I often see white spots or maybe they are ulcers on my throat when I get the flare up. I will start running a low grade temp in the few days leading up to my period and the day before or of, my throat will have the spots all over, be very inflamed and very sore, and I run a fever of 100 or more. This happens every month and I have to miss work because I'm so sick. My symptoms start to slowly go away as my period progresses, and close to the end I feel almost all the way better. I have had numerous blood tests, all within normal range. Throat swabs, all negative for strep. I've been to see doctors and to the hospital. My obgyn started me on birth control pills. I've been told to start ibuprofen in the days before my period. Nothing has helped and so far no doctor knows why I keep getting sick every month at the exact same time right before my period. I would like to think your suggestions would help me. However, my symptoms are just a little different with the higher fever. Do you think what I have going on is related to sleep?
Emily, as you can see from the variety of posts, everyone has different experiences. Give the tips I suggest a try. Even if it helps a little, it means you're going in the right direction. There's nothing to lose. There are more definitive steps to get to the next level, but start with the conservative basics first. Good luck, and please keep us updated on your progress.
Update to my original comment. This continued to happen every month. Starting a probiotic and vitamin D3 helped quite a bit. However, still have the sore throat, swollen glands and fever every month a few days before my menstrual cycle and until my period starts. After multiple doctor visits and ER visits, it turns out my sore throat is caused by mouth ulcers or canker sores, which cause high fever and swollen gland,, and I have found out I have PFAPA syndrome. Maintaining stress levels, vitamin D3, probiotic and gargling with salt water twice a day, and gargling with and swallowing honey at night helps relieve some throat and mouth pain. I just take ibuprofen and Tylenol during the episodes.
Yes. This is so helpful 😊thank you!
Thanks for letting me know.