PERIOD FLU

Q Is there such a thing as period flu? And how does it affect training? Lauren Peterson

A While some women may breeze through their monthly period with only minor discomfort, for others it can be a painful and uncomfortable time. These unpleasant symptoms have been coined by some as the ‘period flu’, but in reality they’re part and parcel of what is known in medical terms as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). And, for some, dysmenorrhea (exceedingly painful menstrual cycles), which can be triggered either by a period starting or due to an underlying reproductive system disorder.

If you’re prone to painful periods, you may find this results in a dip in performance every month. Although some studies suggest that you could be coming into your peak fitness phase around the time of menstruation, this increased capacity for stress can be overshadowed by cramps and fatigue.

If you fall into this bracket, it could be worth tailoring your training plan to match different stages in your menstrual cycle, scheduling in easier and low-intensity efforts to coincide with when your body’s also dealing with by being on your period.

It’s not fully understood why women suffer with PMS, but it could be due to the changes in hormones throughout a menstrual cycle. Female hormones effect multiple physiological systems in the body, including how the body regulates heat, the heart and respiratory system, the metabolism, and the muscles.

Namely, quantities of oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall throughout a cycle, and experts have linked these fluctuations with having an impact on training and racing.

Though many PMS symptoms are hard to avoid all together, there are a few things you can do to manage the discomfort, such as: over-thecounter painkillers that are anti-inflammatory and don’t contain steroids – e.g. ibuprofen – should ease symptoms; anti-diarrheal medication to ease symptoms of nausea or diarrhoea; applying a hot water bottle or heating pad on the belly or lower back to ease aches and cramps; exercise, if you feel well enough, has

been shown to reduce the severity of PMS; try to get plenty of rest and keep stress low; avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol as these can aggravate PMS symptoms; hormonal birth control can help ease pain and make periods more regular, but be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure this is the right option for you. Kate Milsom