Chills on the First Day of Your Period

Some people feel cold or shivery around menstruation because hormone shifts can affect temperature regulation, while pain, fatigue, stress, or not eating enough may add to the sensation. Chills without a raised temperature are different from chills caused by infection. Influenza, dengue fever, malaria, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or a kidney infection can occur at the same time as a period and should not be attributed to menstruation without considering other symptoms.

Check your temperature and compare this episode with previous cycles. Note bleeding amount and pattern, cramp severity, vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary burning, back pain, cough, rash, unusual discharge, and possible pregnancy.

Rest, drink fluids, eat a small balanced meal if you can, and use comfortable layers or a warm compress for cramps. Follow the label for any pain medicine and check with a pharmacist if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners, or could be pregnant. Arrange a review if chills repeat every cycle, are new for you, or interfere with daily activities.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, a high fever, repeated vomiting, or rapidly worsening illness. Get prompt assessment for very heavy bleeding, pregnancy possibility with pain or bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or chills with back pain and painful urination. These symptoms may indicate infection or another problem needing treatment.

Ask whether the chills fit your menstrual pattern, whether you need a pregnancy test or infection tests, and which pain medicines are suitable. Tell the clinician about cycle timing, bleeding changes, fever readings, contraception, pregnancy possibility, and all medicines.