The sensation of feeling cold or experiencing shivers, often referred to as premenstrual chills, is a recognized symptom reported by many individuals before their menstrual period. This temperature sensitivity is not a sign of illness but a common physiological reaction linked to cyclical hormonal changes. Recognizing these chills as part of the normal menstrual cycle helps validate the discomfort and directs attention toward understanding their underlying cause.
The Hormonal Basis for Temperature Shifts
The primary driver behind the body’s temperature shifts during the latter half of the menstrual cycle is the hormone progesterone. Following ovulation, the corpus luteum begins to produce large amounts of this hormone. Progesterone acts directly on the hypothalamus, the body’s internal thermostat, effectively raising the basal body temperature (BBT) set point by approximately 0.5 to 0.7 degrees Celsius compared to the follicular phase.
This sustained elevation in the BBT persists throughout the luteal phase. Chills can occur when the body struggles to maintain this newly elevated temperature set point, leading to sensations of coldness or shivering. These chills are often an internal signal that the body is trying to generate heat to meet the higher thermal requirement set by the hypothalamus.
A second common time for chills is just as the period is about to begin. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degrades, causing a rapid drop in progesterone levels. This sudden hormonal decline forces the hypothalamic temperature set point to return quickly to the pre-ovulatory baseline, manifesting as a distinct feeling of cold or shivers just before or on the first day of menstrual flow.
Chills as a Component of Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual chills are commonly grouped with other physical and emotional symptoms that characterize Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). While not every person experiences chills, they represent one facet of the systemic changes that occur during the late luteal phase. The timing of these chills typically aligns with the onset of other premenstrual symptoms, often beginning about seven to ten days before the expected start of the period.
For individuals who experience a collection of flu-like symptoms, including chills, body aches, and fatigue, the term “period flu” is often used to describe this severe form of PMS. Placing chills within this clinical context helps normalize the experience as a cyclical and predictable event rather than an isolated illness. This symptom often occurs alongside more widely recognized PMS signs, such as fatigue, abdominal bloating, and mood fluctuations.
The presence of chills is a manifestation of the body’s systemic response to hormonal cycling, much like cyclical breast tenderness or sleep disturbances. Recognizing this pattern allows individuals to anticipate the symptom based on their personal cycle calendar, distinguishing premenstrual temperature shifts from chills caused by external factors like infection.
Strategies for Managing Premenstrual Chills
Managing premenstrual chills focuses primarily on practical, self-care strategies aimed at mitigating temperature discomfort. Since the chills are rooted in internal temperature regulation, maintaining a stable external environment is often helpful. One effective strategy involves wearing layered clothing, allowing for easy addition or removal of garments as internal temperature sensations fluctuate.
Using external heat sources can also provide immediate relief when shivers begin. This includes utilizing heating pads, warm blankets, or taking warm baths or showers to temporarily raise the external body temperature. Maintaining a consistent temperature within the home or workplace can help reduce the frequency of the body having to compensate for sudden cold exposure.
Hydration also plays a supportive role in overall temperature regulation. Drinking warm, non-caffeinated beverages can help generate internal warmth and support circulation. While these methods do not alter the underlying hormonal cause, they provide actionable steps to increase comfort during the luteal phase.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While cycle-related temperature sensitivity is a normal physiological occurrence, certain accompanying signs indicate the need for medical evaluation. Chills that are a normal part of the menstrual cycle do not typically include a significant fever. A high fever, generally considered above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, occurring alongside chills suggests an underlying infection or illness. Medical consultation is warranted if the chills are accompanied by severe, non-menstrual pain, persistent vomiting, or intense body aches that disrupt daily functioning.
If the chills persist after the menstrual period has begun and finished, the symptom is likely unrelated to the hormonal cycle and requires investigation. Normal premenstrual chills should resolve as progesterone levels stabilize during menstruation.
A healthcare provider can perform a thorough assessment to rule out other conditions that can mimic or exacerbate temperature sensitivity. Chills and cold intolerance can sometimes be symptoms of conditions such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction, which impairs metabolic regulation. These conditions require specific diagnostic testing and medical treatment rather than simple cycle management.