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Shortness of breath with PMS
I'll make this short, but since the birth of my child...3 years ago, I have been getting shorth of breath about a week before I start my period. My GYN says he has never heard of this and he thinks it is all in my mind. Of course it isn't! Anyway, I am a healthy 34 year old. The only medical problem I have is hypothyroidism and I am taking medication for it. Thank you for your time.
I have been dealing with this for years as well. I found most doctors have no idea what this is and I honestly believe they see anxiety and panic attack as the only thing fixable. I am now getting closer to figuring this out, but I have been told it is incredibly rare. I am beginning to suspect that it is not and that the specialists have only begun to scratch the surface. My symptoms started with shortness of breath before my period then gradually I began to experience other symptoms- extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, rashes, dry skin/eczema patches, mouth sores and swollen gums, sensation of throat tightness. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia. The shortness of breath has been so bad at times I have been extremely limited in activity and even maintaining any kind of fitness is difficult when half of every month is so debilitating. I found an anti inflammatory diet to help tremendously for a time, but then I found I was having reactions to soy, egg, wheat, gluten, and I developed a shellfish allergy. Now my diet is very strict to maintain some amount of relief. I know that my symptoms all peak between ovulation and the first day of my period. This is when progesterone is highest. For me, taking any other progesterone or using a progesterone cream would be incredibly bad. When this all progressed, my allergist finally tested me for a progesterone allergy. Yes, that was undeniably positive. Unfortunately the general recommendation is to avoid anything you are allergic to, but with progesterone that becomes difficult. I have seen many doctors that are skeptical and do not support this diagnosis, and I have seen many helpful and supportive doctors. I can tell you that the allergy meds help, but they do not completely eliminate the shortness of breath. I am on 5 different allergy meds to prevent this from progressing to anaphylaxis after having taken several trips to the ER. I have also tried hormone suppressing medication (chemical menopause) that left me feeling better than I have in years. The next step for me will most likely be to have my ovaries removed. It seems drastic, but this has progressed to such a debilitating condition that I see it as my best option, and I have a gyn that is willing to do this. I suggest anyone experiencing this shortness of breath begin to look more closely for any other symptoms. The rash seems to be what the doctors who know about progesterone allergy are looking for. Any kind of rash that is cyclic. It can be flat and like a heat rash or it can be spots. It may itch, it may not. Some people actually have hives. For me, I didn't even realize I was getting a rash until the EMT pointed it out on my back during that first trip to the ER. Google progesterone allergy and see if it fits for you.
And if not related to the actual hormonets, the concoctions involved with the hormone regulation, it's not rocket science :) it's biology
I have never had this before, usually not much PMS except for the regular mood swings and sensitivities, but had this last night and today when my period arrived. Havent heart about it before but it's so obvious here how it is related to hormone inbalances/the cycle. Perhaps some smart medicine student could make something out of all these comments and start some research? Anyway, have some shortage of breath (can't breath as deep and thourough/slow as normal) and yesterday some heart palpitation and freaky chest/neck pain, and a real bad PMS session which I don't usually have with all those symptoms like dizzyness, apathy, anxiety, high strung tension, perplexity, confusion, sadness, unable to feel motivation, focus or concentrate. Just feeling sad, low and disorientated and like stuck in a wet blanket. Usually I can cheer up and feel enthusiasm and motivation easily but as much as there must be some intricate evolutional meaning to this overwhelming pms-state, it is very overwhelming. I eat well, don't excercise much but I think it somehow is related to my emotional state over the last month. Anyway, just wanted to add to the statistics. Both irritating and fascinating, what is the cause/hormonal conditioning/biology with all this?
I have the same thing. This works for me:
Cut and peel a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (not the powdered stuff) and put it in a cup. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it and add 1 tbsp raw honey. Let steep until it is cooled enough to drink, but drink it hot. (I usually pour through a mesh filter to get out the chunks of ginger--I don't think it would be good to eat) Do this 3-4 times a day until your period starts and you will feel as good as new!!
Cut and peel a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (not the powdered stuff) and put it in a cup. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it and add 1 tbsp raw honey. Let steep until it is cooled enough to drink, but drink it hot. (I usually pour through a mesh filter to get out the chunks of ginger--I don't think it would be good to eat) Do this 3-4 times a day until your period starts and you will feel as good as new!!
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