shortness of breath during menstrual cycle

what could cause shortness of breath during my menstrual cycle?  this began when i was 11 years old and i've now been dealing with it for 28 years.  some months are worse than others.  it usually just lasts a few days but is miserable.  it can begin a few days before my period starts or during my period.  it seems to be a hereditary thing.  my mother and grandmother had the same problem and my daughter also seems to have it.  i've asked doctors about it and nobody seems to have any clue.  i feel like i can't take a deep enough breath.  i have to make myself yawn or lean over (in a tripod position) to be able to take a deep enough breath.  

[Babyval79]

hi, i think that during the menstrual cycle, you don't get enough oxygen because you loose a lot of blood, i don't know if you're a heavy bleeder or not, but loosing blood decreases your oxygen supply. i will suggest you increase your fluid intake during your mentrual period and also discuss with your doctor about tking iron supplement. Eating foods that contain iron will also help. l'd like to know the outcome. val.

[mrsdeets]

You have described me to a "T" with your description of shortness of breath during my menstrual cycle.  My will normally last about 2 wks.  I have ask my family MD and my OB/GYN doctor and the only answer I have been given is "must be your hormones."  My shortness of breath has been going on for several years, I'm now 46 yrs. old.  If a doctor ever explains it to me, or determines the cause I will certainly let you know, and please do the same for me.

[virgo4431]

I have had similar experiences related to my menses cycle and breathing trouble, but mine is a few days before it starts.  My GP and OBY, just look at me, like I have lost it, when I bring it up.   The GP hands me asthma med's for a quick fix.   I don't have trouble breathing when I am not near my cycle.  

It is so frustrating to not be understood

[harts4]

I have the EXACT same thing and thought I would google it to to if anyone had the same issues!!  It is nice to know that we all are not crazy.  My shortness of breath usually starts about a week before my period starts and lasts 4-5 days.  So uncomfortable, having to keep trying to get a deep breath is exausting.  I get the same answer from doctors...they have NO idea!!

[Kels0924]

I also have experienced shortness of breath a few days before menstration. It gets so bad that I have had to sleep sitting up!! I have also noticed that my hands and ankles swell a bit. So I have been taking diuretics (water pills) during that time, and it has helped tremendously!! I just assumed that I retain water during PMS.

[sam401561]

I as well get shortness of breath about 2 days before my period and 1 or two days after.  As well my doc looks at me like I have lost my mind.  thank you for sharing at least I kinow I am not alone.  Samantha

[LizMcG]

I'm so happy to read these posts and think that maybe I'm not nuts! I have had shortness of breath around the start of my cycle for the last few years. It lasts about a week. It seems worse since I had a hystrectomy last year (I still have ovaries so I still experience a cycle but no bleeding).
I am 46 and very active, so the shortness of breath has a significant negative impact on my running ability. I have run with the same friend for a few years and every few weeks I can't keep up. It' very frustrating. I have seen my Gyn and Primary Care doctor, but they both say "your lungs sound fine". Next stop is the pulmonary dr., but now maybe I will skip the shrink because I know I am not alone. Thanks. Liz

[abbys]

I'm 16 years old and I'm experiencing the same problems that some of you are! About a month ago, I was having a terrible time breathing...like I couldn't get a deep breath. It feels like the air stops halfway in my chest or something. So, I went to the hospital twice and they told me it was my asthma, but the asthma medicine hasn't helped at all! And then I went to a pulmonary doctor and he said it was a vocal chord dysfunction, but then all of a sudden I could breathe better. Well now, a month later while I'm on my period, I am having so much trouble breathing again and it's scary! The doctor's don't believe me and they think I'm crazy! If you know anything or find out anything else please post a comment.

[itsmebaby]

Hi there,
I've also been experiencing shortness of breath during/after my periods.  I believe I have narrowed down the causes to a few different possibilities:

1.) borderline anemia (from either menstrual bleeding or internal endo-related bleeded)
2.) so much swelling in the abdominal area that causes my internal organs to push up against the diaphragm and back against my spine
3.) endometrial tissue invading the diaphragm and lungs - this can really happen

I think for most of us, it could be a combination of the swelling and short-term anemia, since endo in the lungs is rare (OR more common than we think, but few have been diagnosed).

Have you had any luck determining the cause?

[kishwan01]

Hi, Im 18 yrs old and recently, one or two days before my menstruation period I had this feeling of shortness of breathe. I'm not sure if Im having chest pain because  I dont know how it feels like. However, sometimes I think I have a chest pain (though not sure). This is the first time I've felt this and for me its so scary. Is it because of the menstruation period or is it something to do with a heart or lung diseases. I've finished my period today and seems like my shortness of breathe is still there. What should I do. Im scared to go to the hospital telling me that I have a heart or lung problem. Does anyone know the cause and treatment please.

I'll appreciate it so much.
thanks..

[brodiebert]

I too experience shortness of breath I also get weak and dizzy.  I think it may be anemia or hypoglycemia as increasing my sugar intake seems to help with the dizziness, but not the shortness of breath.  I am an athlete (did a half ironman last year) and nearly pass out walking up one flight of stairs during my period, am actually finding typing this tiring.  Would really like help with this if anyone has an answer, get no joy from the Dr. who sent me for an iron test once when I wasn't on my period and told me I was fine.  

[breathless81]

This is a miracle I thought that this shortness of breath and inability to get a good breath in meant that at the age of 29 I was in for a dramatic and fatal diagnosis.However,it seems that no one has a clue how to diagnose it.I too have been issued anti histamines and have occasional swelling of the soft tissues around the lips and eye lids and it always coincides with my cycle.
Are there any other swelling issues that accompany anyones breathing troubles?

[Jaja55]

I have the exact same thing!  I also get shoulder pain on the left side if I work out during this time.  I have had this happen every month just after ovulation for the past 10 years.  Very frustrating because, like all of you, my dr. thinks I am crazy.  It lasts for about 3-4 days and then I feel much better.  

[abc143]

Please check:
http://www.catamenial-pneumothorax.com/

This is when you may have a partial lung collapse during your period due to endometriosis.  I had a collapsed lung 2 and 1/2 years ago that baffled my dr.  No one could figure out why it happened as I am a healthy 40 year old that doesn't smoke.  One dr. did say it was probably due to endometriosis but my surgeon did not find anything when they did surgery on my lung.  For the past year I have tried Lupron shots plus 2 different birth controls to try and stop my periods. I have all the symptoms of a lung collapse when I do get my period including the shortness of breath.  I go back to my gyno in 5 weeks and am going to discuss a partial hysterectomy with her.  I hope this will be the answer I've been looking for.

[knoble7264]

Another person to add to the list of those who experience these symptons.  I don't think I am affected as much as some of you as I can continue with my daily life - which is fairly sedentary. Bending over brings on a severe attack of lightheadedness however that goes when I straighten up again. I have suffered from depression for years and wonder if this could be part of the cause. Also overweight although I eat healthily enough - not trying to lose weight but 5 a day and low fat most items.  Any common factors there?

[mslancome]

I just recently started to have sporatic shortness of breath and didn't really notice until now that it may be due to pms. It doesn't usually last the whole day, but today it's occured longer than it ever has. I also get back pain and a feeling of bloating in the chest. I believe it does have to do with bloating and or gas pushing up on the diaphragm. I have had an EKG, ECHO cardiogram, chest xray and blood tests for my thyroid and their seems to be no issue. My doctor says it's anxiety, but I don't feel anxious while I'm having shortness of breath. I guess it's just one of those things that just doesn't have an explanation. Because of our menstruationa and menopause, we will probably experience a plethera of issues that may not be serious but can sure feel like it. That's why it's nice to know that there is always someone going through the same thing you are. It would be great to have a diagnosis though so at least I know I'm not dying slowly,

[rumeysa]

OMG! i'm not alone! I have been suffering from breathing difficulties for over 4 years now that feel like I just cannot get enough air. I try to make myself yawn to feel 'satisfied'. Doctors say my lungs are fine, no asthma. When I finally started realizing that the breathing difficulties came with my period I told various doctors and they just look at me like I'm crazy. But now I know I'm not crazy! It can last up to a week and can be very intense usually during, but sometimes right before my cycle. Then it goes away..for about 20 days, until the next cycle. Last night was the worse, with pain in the right side of my lung. I found an awesome holistic doctor here..I'm gonna see what his office thinks...I'll post if i find out anything good.

[neez10]

What a relief it is reading these posts as I too suffer from shortness of breath up to a week before and during my period and have never met anyone else who has suffered this and was getting quite worried about it.  I also get the tender eye just before which usually goes very bloodshot and sore.  I'm hoping to go and see my doctor next week so if I find anything more out I will post,

[Rsc2ak]

Wow, I am amazed at the number of people who are experiencing this same issue.  I have struggled with it for many years...been through so many tests, etc. but no one seems to know what it is.  My GP thought there could have been a case for endometriosis..as I have a documented pulmonary nodule...and have had several ovarian cysts...1 or 2 have ruptured as well.  Anyway, my Gyn seems to think that is so rare and unlikely, and the only cure for it is Menopause.  This absolutely affects my quality of life for about a week every month.  Some are worse than others, but never asymptomatic.  I also get severe pain between my shoulder blades and just below.  And the bloating, gas and indigestions are intense (even with pepcid and protonix). It's awesome knowing that I am not alone, but I guess I think that in this age of modern medicine, accepting a statement that it's nothing, or just an anomaly of my body, is crazy...There has to be some cause for it and some way to aleviate it.  I am going crazy...it really stinks not being able to breathe!

[pika671]

I have had this problem for years. Right now though, my period has been erratic and I've been holding on to this breathing problem for the last three weeks. It is just so tiring.

My doc's put me on steroids, etc., and them meds have not really done much. I think I just need my hormones to normalize. Has anyone heard or found out anything?

[stephyneeL]

Yes, I too have same problems. I am 50 years old and it seems to be getting worse each month.  I have had these symptoms since a young age as well.  We all thought they were allergies but wouldn't respond to allergy medicine or even asthma treatment.  I don't have asthma.  I walk around with my mouth open in half yawn, trying to get a deep breath or complete breath.  My eyes water and it tires me out very much.  I also thought it was due to stress.  Alcohol seems to make it better for me to breathe, which makes me think that it is stress induced.  But the fact that it happens the same time every month, around my period, leads me to believe it is something else.  I have an IUD so I don't have periods, and I eat red meat like crazy, so I don't think it is low iron either.

[Scootnby]

Wow! I am so very relieved and bewildered that so many other's have this same problem as myself.  My shortness of breath begins a few days before my period, however I am also periomenopausal as well (I'm 49 yrs. old) and began to associate this shortness of breath with hormone's last year.  I've been taking Omega-3's & Vit D3 but when my breathing started to become a problem right before my period, I began taking Women's Wellness-Andrew Lessman's and this helped me a great deal.  It could be the Soy Isoflavones in this supplement that are helping I'm not sure but something is working and for me, it's definitely hormone related.  At least I can still perform light aerobics during this time but prior to taking the supplement, I couldn't.  While walking my breathing was so labored but it has definitely improved now.  

[ctoth]

Hi ladies,
I also experience the same symptoms of Shortness of breath right before my period, it scares me everytime.  found this article and thought it might help explain why:

http://cchealth.clevelandclinic.org/horizon/menstrual-cycle-gives-clues-asthma

good luck,
christine

[Hma]

I too suffer from the same symptoms of breathlessness,light headedness ,low b p,fatigue,tiredness & difficultly taking in air a week or so before my periods.I am 40 yrs old & I found that doing breathing exercise helps a lot.Maybe it can help u too,pls do try it when your stomach is empty best time is early morning .

[mpiels]

Hi ladies,  

This recently started happening to me as well. My doctors did a bunch of scary tests and then told me it was stress! NOT! I know what stress is and this is not stress-related. I started to see a pattern that it happens just around my 14-day mark. I know what you are all experiencing. My asthma/allergist put me on Singulair daily. He said he has heard of this and while they don't know why this happens the medicine seems to work. I take it in the evening before going to bed since some people experience crankiness with it.

The medicine has definitely helped a lot. Try speaking to your doctor. You may also consider taking B vitamins and the omegas to balance your hormones.

Good luck and good health!  

[anders126]

Hello !

Even though I'm a man, I hope it's ok to post on this subject :)!

I'm writing a book on breathing right now and there is an interesting link between breathing and the hormone progesterone. After ovulation the  progesterone starts to increase up until menstruation. Then it starts to decrease (and at the same time estrogen takes over and starts to increase for the following two weeks). One of the effects of Progesterone is that it increases the persons breathing. So a lot of the problems with breathing could have to to with overbreathing because of increased progesterone-production.

The overbreathing is very subtle, so we may not notice it. But since we breathe 25 000 times a day, even this subtle overbreathing will have an impact. When we overbreathe, we breathe more than the body's requirements. This causes imbalances, which in the end actually deprive our body of oxygen.

When we overbreathe we can have all sorts of ineffective breathing-patterns. One common feature is that we tend to have too short exhalations, so a key is to prolong the exhalation. An exhale that is longer than the inhale will automatically lead to a better inhalation.

Another key is to close your mouth and only breathe through your nose. In the nose the air is prepared for the lungs since it's moist, humified and cleansed from bacteria. Nose-breathing also promotes deep breathing (not big, just deep meaning that the air travels to the lower parts of the lungs) which is much more efficient and reduces the risk of overbreathing..

A great exercise is to take a walk and "count steps". Take for example 3 steps on inhale and 5 on the exhale. Only breathe through the nose.

The same breathing-problems can also be experienced during pregnancy, since a lot of progesteron is produced here as well.

Good luck!!
/Anders (from Sweden)

[697]

i too feel completely short of breath but am not actually out of breath for months now that I've started to keep a diary and it seems to happen a week or so before I'm due my period.  its horrible, i feel completely exhausted and have to keep stopping for a sit down though I'm not really doing anything strenuous.  i keep checking my heart rate but think i make it speed up as i am worrying about the breathlessness.  then all of a sudden it stops, period starts and I'm fine for a few wks and then it comes back again.  I've only kept a diary for two months so will wait a few more months and see if the pattern is consistent.  i have never ever suffered from even minor pms before and then i had two kids, age 4 and 2 and ended up with thyroid issues which have thankfully resolved itself but now left with pms (i think) and anxiety as the doctors label it!    

[languid]

I have the identical symptoms that most of you have listed...SOB beginning about 3 or 4 days before menstuation, and ending perhaps 7 days later.  The dizziness and generalized fatigue at this time is normal and experienced by many..  really just more of an irritation than a serious medical problem.  The shortness of breath, however, is hard to live with.  I am currently 48 and have found this getting worse in the last few years.  I have spoken to a couple physicians that I work with, and both agreed that it is probably due to homonal changes as cited in Anders post.  Supplements may help, but be careful when messing with hormones as you may upset your balance.  If I find a relatively benign supplement that helps, I'll be sure to update.  Borderline anemia/hypoglycemia/asthma, etc. could all contribute to the SOB, but I doubt are the root cause.

[Caligurl71]

I experience the same thing.  I started training for a 1/2 marathon and realized it may not be doable because I am basically out of commission for close to 2 weeks--I couldn't even run a mile last night!!  So infuriating!!  I'm at wits end with this.  Did you find anything to help?  my asthma meds don't do anything.  

[jade95]

Try natural progesterone cream or the min pill which is only progesterone. It is the inbalance in hormones that causes the breathlessness.

[rkc12]

I also have this problem and a lot of others. My first symptom is that my fingernails get really sore, I actually have to cut my nails every month about a week before I start. Then I get the shortness on breath. It's so bad that I don't like to move around a lot during that time of the month. I thought I was crazy because none of my friends have these symptoms. It's nice to know i'm not alone.

[sseav]

Yeah, what a trip.  I've never seen SOB as a symptom as even severe PMS, but it is definitely so in my case too.  I was glad to see these postings.  If I do find a sound cause or any way to alleviate it I will post that.  My SOB lasts from 3-4 days before my period, to about 1/2 way through it.  Also, incidentally, my oxygen saturation is at 100% (no kidding), so despite the feeling im not breathing enough, I clearly AM.  I will watch this board to keep up on info...TY!

[Me_too2]

I have the same thing every month. It's very scary. I have also heard that its the body making more blood, hence depleting oxygen levels. Also feel nauseous and weak, feet swell a little bit too sometimes. Could also be a change in hormones. It's only been happening noticeably for the last 7 years or so, and I'm 38.

[Me_too2]

I just read your post and it all makes complete sense with the progesterone and estrogen changes. When I feel like I cant breathe, I exhale as much as I can like blowing out candles. It actually helps, temporary. I cant breathe for days just before my period (when progesterone levels are increasing)(also thought it might be related to potassium), but then about two weeks after I start (when the estrogen levels are peaking) I get bursts of energy for a couple of days. I have noticed this pattern repeating itself.

[Gee1111]

Hi, Before you have a partial hysterectomy, ask the GYN about endometrial ablasion.  That will effectively stop all bleeding afterwards.  The inside of your uterus will be essentially burned.
I had that done, at about 53 related to very heavy bleeding, anemia (with anemia, you get short of breath)  There are simple lab tests to determine whether you are anemic, and it's easy to treat it with iron. Good Luck.

[Gee1111]

Lightheadedness when bending over may be related to something called orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when changing positions-like standing up).  It can be caused by hypovolemia (significant blood loss), medications, dehydration, heart issues.  You need a complete and thorough physical and an evaluation and possible treatment for depression.
Based on the fact that you are overweight and sedentary, and depressed--I would say those could be inter- related.  If you are not being treated for your depression, you definitely should consider talking to you primary dr. about that, and possibly seeing a psychiatrist.  The other thing is this--are you very tired in the a.m. and during the day?  You should see a sleep apnea specialist-usually this is a pulmonologist or neurologist.  My daughter who is over 300lbs. just diagnosed with sleep apnea.  It can lead to many other diseases: obesity, diabetes, hypertension,and fatigue,depression.  Hope this helps.

[Gee1111]

Years ago my intermittant shortness of breath, which was thought to be "anxiety" at age 27, was asthma by age 42---by 62 it was then diagnosed as bronchiectasis (rare).
Asthma is not rare.  So, if you were having frequent shortness of breath or feeling "tight in the chest", like the air wouldn't go the whole way down, you should be tested for asthma, as that can be treated.  Too many doctors are still telling women "it's in your head".
Hope this helps.

[lchambers]

People like me yay :)  I have been going through this for a couple years now. I'm 50 and I guess going through menopause.  I've finally tracked my feeling bad with my period. I use to not even know I was on one before to now I know every minute I on one!! My worst part is the dizziness, that and the weakness. Why a doctor has no clue about why I have no clue but I'm glad you all are here to put us ones who don't understand at ease. Thank you

[lchambers]

People like me yay :)  I have been going through this for a couple years now. I'm 50 and I guess going through menopause.  I've finally tracked my feeling bad with my period. I use to not even know I was on one before to now I know every minute I on one!! My worst part is the dizziness, that and the weakness. Why a doctor has no clue about why I have no clue but I'm glad you all are here to put us ones who don't understand at ease. Thank you

[8goldcoins]

Anyone had this please? I'm 39 got 3 kids 21,19 and 11.
I've been having very heavy bleeding for 8 days with huge clots like raw liver no sign of stopping and bright red. I can't breathe properly (but I'm asthmatic normally usually under control though).Headache, dizziness and hot head. Had 4 periods since end of April.
Thought maybe I'd had a miscarriage and not known I was pregnant (also had 3 miscarraiges before but 20 years ago) but went to the hospital and was told not pregnant, blood clotting normal.White blood cells slightly high. Given tablets for bleeding but says don't take if asthmatic or allergic to asprin (which I am)so not taken them.Told to go to docs and be reffered to Gyny. Appointment this Weds.
The thing is I felt really well for two weeks running up to my last bleed better than I've felt in months full of energy etc even got a new job lined up. But feel terrible now.
Or could it be stress? Was on antidepressants a month ago but stopped as was sleeping too much and needed to get back into a job. My dog died last week after 16 yrs and also went to court to stop my house being repossessed. The judge tried to make me cry calling me a liar. Not sure if he was testing to see if a was stable or just a nasty A hole. But he's let us keep the house for 3 months. I just wish the bleeding would stop. Any ideas on what this is please?

[anxietynutcase]

get a oxygen meter at walgreens, the ones they use at hospitals when they do triage intake. there about 40 bucks. check your oxygen when you feel short of breath if it is low then you know its something bab and go to the hospital, if the oxygen levels are normal then its probably anxiety.

[anxietynutcase]

get a oxygen meter at walgreens, the ones they use at hospitals when they do triage intake. there about 40 bucks. check your oxygen when you feel short of breath if it is low then you know its something bab and go to the hospital, if the oxygen levels are normal then its probably anxiety.

[SpykeHypo]

I am 31 years old. I have had the exact same problem... went through COUNTLESS tests over MANY years.. I have a hard time breathing during and after my period.. the same description as the rest of you... RECENTLY I had a breakthrough though... I went into the ER and they diagnosed me with severe hypothyroidism (had a few complications with this too).. my TSH levels were in the 100s.. and also women with Thyroid disorders classically have heavier cycles of bleeding which can cause anemia over time because you cannot replenish your blood supply(during period time) which causes shortness of breathe... this is what they concluded... I am not sure how accurate because it was only recently they concluded that about my breathing.. I will start to take iron sup. soon and I will let you all know if it helps. I hope that this helps some of you..and to you all I totally understand and you are not crazy... just seems that doctors only want to treat the symptoms and not help find the PROBLEM anymore.. good luck!!

[red6435]

i know its been the longset time with this this time im scared also imy period is over now and it didnt go away like it usualy does and im a smoker so im real worried ,,,i had 2 chest exrays done  ;llike 4 months ago but it came up with nothing but why then am i so hard to breath

[red6435]

the doctors say my lungs are fine also  i do have ashma but i never had this hard of a time breathing before and it is usualy with my period as well i dont understand why...

[ElleEm]

Despite what the useless medical community say this shortness of breath, feeling like you can't get enough oxygen, postural hypotension is definitely a hormonal imbalance. I have learned this through months of trial and error! The best thing you can do for yourself is take a good quality multi-vitamin and then listen to your body and trial and error with different supplements, progesterone cream until you have the right mix for your body. In general I have found Dr's to be worse than useless! All they tell me is I'm too young (rubbish) and I'm depressed (rubbish), because they have nothing else to offer.

[jonnab23]

I had this same problem right after having my first child I would carry a paper bag everywhere I went because it seemed to help. It would happen a couple of days before my period and then stop once I started it. Once I had my second child it all stopped and I didn't feel it anymore. It was really strange but relieving. Now I know I wasn't the only one. Every one would look at me like I was crazy when I would try to explain to them why I couldn't breath.

[STACEY7877]

I GET SHORT OF BREATH LIKE I CANT GET DEEP BREATH EITHER IT SCARES ME AND I GET WEAK THEN COUPLE DAYS LATER I GET PERIOD DONT GET Y PMS CAUSES THIS BEFORE U EVEN BLEED?????????????CRAZY

[SMARTH]

I have been dealing with these same symptoms of shortness of breath, had all those test and every doctor says you are so healthy! UMMMM I DONT FEEL THAT WAY! So i get as I call them episodes! Fell like shortness of breath, dizzy, numb and then i start to get anxiety after the fact of no air and feeling like passing out! I will say its not anxiety!!!! Its something no doctor can tell me! But I just paid to see a Hormonal doctor thinking maybe this is the answer, I do have low iron but I always have had that but breathing has just started 2 years ago?? I am hoping this doctor can help because I am 33 with two young children and this makes me feel like im going to have a short life! Its scary and I need an answer! I hope everyone find out why this is happeneing and get better :( I feel your pain!

[k17chela]

I think that endometrium in the lungs is not a rare malady from the looks of all these posts . It is common but undiagnosed. Most research is done on men. That leaves a vast amount of problems that are no where near clarity because  of this. Almost every time I was hospitalized for my asthma  after 11 years of age it was just prior to or during my period. I believe the endometrium in the lungs reacts to the hormones in your body , but they are in your lungs causing inflamation (inflammation) and havoc in a place they shouldn't be. There is no more explanation, My personal solution is to look to a natural treatment for hormonal imbalances . Since the edometrium is reacting to the imbalance . Maybe if you treat the endometrium where it's supposed to be you can mitigate it's effects where it shouldn't be.

[itsKim]

I've been having the same issues with breathing, to the point that I was about to collapse from just walking or standing. With shortness of breath, my heart becomes uneasy and starts to beat rapidly. Last year, after seeing a gynecologist, I have been prescribed Cyklokapron, and then to birth controls after the Cyklokapron did not help with my flow as much. They say my shortness of breath is due to the flow of my period, but the day that I was sent to the hospital crying from it, I had little flow. At the ER, I came out negative for anemia after taking a blood test, the x-rays of my lungs had no issues showing, and the ultra sound at the ER was too "crap" for anything to be seen on the screen -- apparently due to my thin build. The doctors told me that I'm healthy and that nothing is wrong with me. I'm 19 years old, and if I have to grow old with this shortness of breath episode, then I can only see it getting worse from here.
I seem to be on the same boat with many of the people here, receiving dead-end answers from doctors. & I definitely agree with ElleEm's comment.

[ZebraJ]

My history was always no PMS symptoms at all saving for an occasional mild bloat or cramp - but after becoming ill and losing so much weight (I was 20lbs under weight), my periods stopped and then began again sporadically as weight returned. First were the severe migraines requiring emergency care. Second were night time jerks and fits (kind of how drug withdrawal is described). Third was the extreme exhaustion and "out of breath" - I can barely walk three steps before having to sit down. The severity of symptoms decreased as my weight stabilized but they continue with some months worse than others. I've mapped the symptoms and they start about 3-4 days before my cycle: Increasing migraine, night fits, exhaustion, cycle(heavy) and then back to normal. Once an OBGYN gave me The Ring to try and regulate the hormones, which it did, but the symptoms remained. All this to say, I think my case points to at least one of the causes of the exhaustion to a larger than normal hormonal change/imbalance. But what can be done? I'm hoping to find a "cure" for this. Birth control meds, in my case, wasn't the answer. The whole thing is damn inconvenient. I do feel better knowing I am not the only one!

[Az1977]

This is such a relief! Like so many of the other posts I've read, I to have been dealing with this for a long time, my doctor's think I am crazy, or it's asthma, or other medications (which have been ruled out), I decided to Google this today to see if anything was out there on the subject and am amazed at everything you've all posted!
I am a severe anemic and a few years ago had an ablation due to hemorrhaging during my cycles. Although that did help the flow, I still have regular cycles but it seems every 3rd month I get a really bad one, one where everything is magnified times 10!
I don't know why, or what to do, but I am so sick of feeling like I can't breathe! It actually hurts under my arm from straining to take a breath. Any suggestions would be appreciated and good luck to everyone!

[Az1977]

I have low iron also, I wonder if this is a common connection?

[Vvaldes8]

Thank you all SO much for posting! I'm 27 years old and I've had shortness of breath for years. I just started noticing it's always around my menstrual cycle. I saw a doctor a few years back and he diagnosed me with costochondritis...but I feel he didn't know what I was talking about so he just slapped a condition on me even though I don't necessarily feel chest pain, I just can't seem to get a deep enough breath. I have to try to make myself yawn (often failing to reach one deep enough) for what seems like an hour, and it is beyond frustrating. I haven't actually started bleeding yet, so I don't think it could be the loss of oxygen through the blood. However, my breasts tend to swell during this time so I thought maybe it was adding pressure to my chest preventing a large enough rib expansion? Either way, I'm glad I'm not alone.

[lovelifexoxo]

Right now im sitting up in my bed writting this and my jaw feels werid, so does my jaw, nose neck and lets just say my whole head and face. I havent went to the docoters yet but i have experience this before and i went to the hospital but noyhing was wrong. But it feels like ssomeone is sucking the life out of you. Once i felt it when i was on my laptop i jumped up started huming, walking around with a hand on my hipand starred praying. I now just got back to prasing god and reading my bible and nothings change but its worth it god alwaysvmakes me relize that what im going through is normal. So just workout, strecth, and drink alot of h2o and relax youll be fine it comes and goes but its life. God bless:-)

[lovelifexoxo]

Right now im sitting up in my bed writting this and my jaw feels werid, so does my jaw, nose neck and lets just say my whole head and face. I havent went to the docoters yet but i have experience this before and i went to the hospital but noyhing was wrong. But it feels like ssomeone is sucking the life out of you. Once i felt it when i was on my laptop i jumped up started huming, walking around with a hand on my hipand starred praying. I now just got back to prasing god and reading my bible and nothings change but its worth it god alwaysvmakes me relize that what im going through is normal. So just workout, strecth, and drink alot of h2o and relax youll be fine it comes and goes but its life. God bless:-)

[itsmebaby]

As a follow up to my previous comment, I truly think it could be a number Of the problems mentioned above, but I also wanted to offer the simplest explanation as an option... Most of us have pretty severe periods and bad bloating is part of it.  It could be a mechanical issue of your bloating being so bad that its harder to breathe.