Does Your Immune System Weaken During Your Period?

September 10, 2025

Many women wonder: Does your immune system weaken on your period? Can being on your period make you more vulnerable to illness? These questions come up often because some people notice they get sick, feel fatigued, or heal more slowly around menstruation.

Research shows that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence immune function. In some phases, your body’s defenses are stronger, while in others, immunity may be temporarily suppressed. This article explores the connection between the menstrual cycle and the immune system, supported by scientific studies, and shares practical strategies—including why Doxlet multivitamins are a smart choice for maintaining energy and immune resilience.

How Hormones Influence Immunity Throughout the Cycle

The menstrual cycle is governed by hormonal changes—primarily estrogen and progesterone—which don’t just affect reproductive health but also influence the immune system [1].

Follicular phase (menstruation to ovulation): At the start of the cycle, estrogen begins to rise. Estrogen is generally considered immune-enhancing. It boosts the activity of immune cells and increases cytokine production, helping the body fight off pathogens [2].

Luteal phase (post-ovulation to period): After ovulation, progesterone levels rise to prepare the body for potential pregnancy. Progesterone has an immune-suppressing effect—it lowers inflammation and reduces immune cell activity [3]. While this is beneficial for embryo implantation, it also makes you more vulnerable to infections.

When progesterone levels eventually drop right before menstruation, inflammation increases. This can trigger premenstrual symptoms and may contribute to worsened autoimmune conditions or a feeling of being “run down” [4].

A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that several immune markers are lower in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase [5].

Immune Cell Fluctuations and Autoimmune Conditions

Immune cells—including regulatory T cells and natural killer cells—fluctuate throughout the cycle. For individuals with autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, symptoms often worsen in the premenstrual or menstrual phases [6].

Progesterone’s dampening effect on immunity may help explain why: Some women catch colds more often right before or during their period. Wound healing can take longer. Autoimmune flare-ups become more intense.

This cyclical suppression is part of the body’s natural reproductive balance, but it can leave you feeling vulnerable [7].

Common Signs Your Immunity May Dip Around Your Period

Not every woman experiences noticeable immune suppression, but many report symptoms such as: Fatigue and low energy, frequent colds or infections right before or during menstruation, slower wound healing, more severe PMS symptoms.

External factors like stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or underlying conditions (e.g., endometriosis or fibroids) can further compromise immunity during this time [8].

Strategies to Strengthen Your Immune System During Your Period

The good news: you can support your immune health with proactive lifestyle choices and targeted supplementation.

✅ Eat a nutrient-dense diet – Focus on foods rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants (citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish).

✅ Prioritize sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours per night to allow your immune system to regenerate.

✅ Stay active, but don’t overtrain – Light to moderate exercise boosts circulation and immunity, but over-exercising during your period may backfire.

✅ Manage stress – Meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can lower cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function.

Why Doxlet Multivitamins Help

Hormonal fluctuations can leave nutritional gaps, and that’s where Doxlet multivitamins shine. They’re formulated with bioavailable vitamins and minerals that directly support immunity, energy, and overall well-being.

Try the fun Multivitamin Bear Gummies for Adults, packed with vitamin C and zinc, two proven immune boosters.

Choose the Complete Multivitamin for a full-spectrum formula, including B vitamins for energy and vitamin D for immune support.

Shop at Doxlet (https://doxlet.com) to keep your immune system strong through every phase of your cycle.

Conclusion

So, does your immune system weaken on your period? Yes, hormonal fluctuations—especially rising progesterone—can temporarily lower immune defenses. This doesn’t mean you’ll always get sick, but it helps explain why some women feel more vulnerable around menstruation.

By supporting your body with proper nutrition, rest, stress management, and supplementation like Doxlet Multivitamins, you can minimize immune dips and stay resilient all month long.

Buy the best multivitamins for women here: https://doxlet.com