Do Periods Cause Fever?

More Answer For You

No. Your period does not cause fever or give you the contagious illness known as “the flu”. However, a mild fever—often called “Period Flu”—is common during periods.
The hormonal shifts and prostaglandin production in your body creates flu-like symptoms including a low-grade fever, body aches, and chills. Here’s how it works:

1. Progesterone is the hormone that raises temperature

The primary reason for an elevated temperature before your period is the hormone Progesterone.

  1. Progesterone levels naturally rise after 10-14 days after your periods end to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.
  2. Progesterone has a natural thermogenic effect, meaning it slightly raises your body’s core resting temperature by about 0.50 F to 10 F.
  3. This elevated temperature lasts 10-14 days and then drops sharply right as your next period begins. This temperature change can make you feel hot, feverish, or trigger the chills associated with “Period Flu.”

2. Prostaglandins are the final chemicals messengers for the brain

As you know prostaglandins are released in the uterus lining to trigger contractions (menstrual cramps) that shed the lining.

However, when a large amount of prostaglandins are produced, they spill out of the uterus, leak into the bloodstream, can travel to the brain and signal the “thermostat” (hypothalamus) to increase the body’s temperature, just as they would during an infection. Prostaglandins thus contribute to the feverish feeling and body aches.

An informative text graphic explaining whether menstruation symptoms cause fever during periods. The heading reads: “Do Periods Cause Fever?” Below, the text clarifies: “No. Your menstrual cycle does not cause high fever or give you the contagious illness known as ‘the flu.’ However, a mild fever during menstruation—often called ‘Period Flu’—is common during menstrual periods.” Additional explanation states: “Progesterone hormone is primarily responsible for increasing body temperature during periods, while prostaglandins act as the final chemical messengers to the brain, creating a low-grade menstrual fever.” The text is presented in a clear, readable format with emphasis on key terms like “No,” “mild fever,” and “Period Flu. The graphic portraits the campaign message "STOP The Period Pain." Which is a knowledge initiative campaign by Blue Cross Laboratories the makers of meftal spas

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

More Answer For You

Period Pain Calculator Section

Hit Up Our Period Pain Calculator

For real, how bad is your pain? Our interactive tool uses a 1-10 pain scale and a few quick questions to help you get the full picture. In just a few clicks, you’ll know if your pain is a chill or a major red flag.

Calculate Your Period Pain Score

References:

  1. Science Direct – Chapter 8 Prostaglandins and fever
  2. Prostaglandin E2 Production by Brain Endothelial Cells and the Generation of Fever
  3. Springer Nature Link – Role of Prostaglandins in Fever and Temperature Regulation