Sometimes you just know when your period is about to make its way back into your life.

One you might not have considered?

Your immune system is weaker on your period.

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What does this actually mean for your health each month?

Find out here, plus how to keep your immunity up while on your period.

The authors of theArchives of Gynecology and Obstetricsreview actually described it as a window of opportunity for possible infection.

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associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology atNew York Medical Collegein Valhalla, New York

Symptoms from an increase in histamine mimic that of an allergic reaction or brief flu-like illness.

Those symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, generalized malaise, and overall fatigue, Dr. Saint Jean says.

This is akin to a period flu that many people describe having during their flow.

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Hormonal shifts may even trigger inflammatory changes that can affect chronic conditions, Dr. Saint Jean says.

But if you keep getting sick each time youre about to get your period, let your doctor know.

They can help you get to the bottom of things.

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you’re able to:

1.

Dr. Saint Jean also recommends keeping sugary, refined, and ultra-processed foods to a minimum.

Heres How I Finally Figured It Out

2.

pregnant person with long brown hair in a black tank top and pants and flowy tan overshirt looking at their baby clothes and awaiting birth, to show concept of superfetation pregnancy

associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology atNew York Medical Collegein Valhalla, New York

Ideally, get at least 8 hours of sleep, Dr. Saint Jean recommends.

If youre having trouble falling asleep, doing a meditation or some light stretching may help you relax.

This is totally normal; just take it at your own pace.

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It can also exacerbate the emotional swings you might be dealing with before and during your period.

They can help determine whether its a symptom of PMS or another underlying condition.

While PMS is common, it doesnt have to take over your life every month.

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FAQ

Can being sick affect your period?

Yep, it can.

Why do I keep getting sick every month?

They can run blood tests and other exams to get to the root of the problem.

What is period flu?

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40248-016-0065-0

Oertelt-Prigione, Sabine.

Immunology and the menstrual cycle.Autoimmunity reviewsvol.

11,6-7 (2012): A486-92.

doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2011.11.023

Arab, Arman et al.

Beneficial Role of Calcium in Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Literature.International journal of preventive medicinevol.

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