Ask an Specialist

Q. Is it normal that I feel like I am going to get a cold. My glands swell up and my throat hurts, I get a headache. THis seems to happen every month before I get my period.

The expression "PMS" largely refers to the emotional lability which occurs as a consequence of the significant hormonal fluctuations that mark the onset of one's menses, or "period". It is not uncommon for some women to suffer headaches, and in particular migraine headaches, at this time. To the degree that emotional issues can transiently deplete the immune system's effectiveness, it is conceivable that you are indeed contracting upper respiratory infections at times when your immune system is functioning suboptimal. For you, this may be at the time of your menses.
I would recommend taking extra vitamin C at the time you first feel like you may be coming down with something. I would take 1000mg a day. Also, Echinacea has been shown to shorten the course of upper respiratory infections such as the "common cold". Try to get nine hours of sleep a night during periods of illness, and drink plenty of liquids.