shortness of breath during menstrual cycle

[katlc]

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.  

[Kristina0078]

After coming across this I am excited that I'm not alone been experiencing shortness of breath just to walk up flight of steps I'd have a  euphoric hazzy feeling like I was going to pass out.   ( which I'm normally very active ) happens a few days before my period and I thought something so serious was happening to me like I was going to die and had all the same testing  blood work , ekgs chest ex Ray ,and been to 3 different Drs. Last one said it was hormonal and gave me anxiety pills. I can rest easy now that I know it's hormonal and I'm not alone . I call it the crappy " feeling it *****

[urnotalone62]

I too have the problem and have had it for years.  Sometimes I get quite dizzy, other times shortness of breath and terribly fatigue.  I hate it.  Today as I was running around I just didn't have the energy, I was out of breath and I had some discomfort.  I'm like what the heck is going on.  Meanwhile, I'm exhausted too!  Make along story short hours later "it arrived".  It answered a lot for me and atleast I know I wasn't dying.  I tend to forget what I go through until I go through it again.  As I type the palpitations are unreal.  I'm glad I came hear and read that I too am not the only one with these symptoms.    

[VikkiSanchez]

Still dealing with it. Most hormone levels fine, except they found my DHEA is elevated. I've been on lexapro for anxiety and last few weeks feeling ok But another month has come and 2 days before period started feeling that can't get a satisfying breath that gets a bit worse each day until period hits and I'm at my worst. Then the back pain starts and fatigue but can't sleep right. I don't know where to turn. If this is part of perimenopause starting--and it literally just started a couple of months ago--I'll go crazy if this lasts for years

[Coco123454321]

I have the same problem, you are not alone

[VikkiSanchez]

OMG what a relief finding this. I am not alone!!! This just started happening to me in August. I got dizzy driving, then felt short of breath and overall fullness in my chest. All to left side. Seems to wrap around my shoulder and underarm to my left back. Even my neck feels a bit weird on the left. Went to ER. Barrage of heart tests and nada. Then the weakness indigestion etc. Been to pulmonologist, gastroentologist, had cat scan of lungs, blood work for everything from Lyme disease to auto immune disorders. Meanwhile my primary care playing go between and keeping track. This was out of nowhere in August. She began to tell me she thinks it's anxiety disorder! From what I have a great life no real problems. I got a bit better then worse a few weeks later and another ER visit. She suggests anxiety meds. I get them but don't start taking because the side effects scared me. And I felt better again. 2 weeks progressively better. Meanwhile an unrelated test checking carteroid artery found a cyst on my thyroid. But thyroid blood work came up normal. But they still want me to check that out--coming soon. Then the other day I started feeling badly again. Not as bad but some breathlessness, fullness, achy left side, hot then cold, and weakness. Then it hit me! I think my period is coming. Then it double hit me-/**** both times I went to ER because I felt that bad and scared I had my period--August and September. Why hasn't any dr though of this!?  I have appt with GYN this Tuesday.  I'm 41 btw maybe a tad early for perimenopause but then again my mom stopped her periods super early (but she was an alcoholic). My entire life my periods have been unremarkable. Avg cramps, flow, and other annoyances. But mostly mild. But now I'm realizing it's heavier, lasting a full week, and the cycle is down to about 21 days--shorter than the 25ish it was. It's such a relief to find others with similar issues!!  

[dorito_princess]

maybe you have anemia?