Let’s face facts. Periods are inconvenient at the best of times and downright hell at the worst of times, which is why any additional symptoms beyond cramping and general fatigue are comparable to a literal kick to the womb.

It turns out that there are some poor unfortunate souls out there who also have to contend with flu-like symptoms that surface when mother nature makes her dreaded monthly appearance.

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A bunch of women out there struggle with extreme fatigue, nausea, weakness, chills, and other sensations during their time of the month – AKA symptoms commonly associated with flu.

As pointed out by Allure – experiencing symptoms of flu doesn’t necessarily point to an official diagnosis, but it’s fair to say that nobody wants to wake up on Day 1 of their cycle feeling weak, nauseous, and like they might fall asleep any second.

According to medical professionals, the reason some women experience these unfortunate symptoms is because of a fatty acid known as prostaglandin getting into their intestinal system.

For anyone who skipped Biology 101, prostaglandinsessentially dislodgeyour uterine lining and kickstartyour period. Nice.

In an interview with U by Kotexas reported by Bustle, Dr. Molly O’Shea referenced this chemical as directly causing “intestinal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of being flushed, and general achiness.”

On top of the fact women’s immune systems are generally weakened while they’re on their periods, it makes sense that any uncomfortable symptoms might feel more pronounced during their TOTM. Thanks, prostaglandins.