Shortness of breath with PMS

[joy122003]

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.

[Rozel123]

Hi

I couldn't agree more with your comments!!  I too suffer with shortness of breath and heart palpatations a week before my period every month.  Im not overweight or unwell and I definitely do NOT suffer with panic attacks.  I don't feel panicked...I simply cannot catch my breath.  Its reassuring to know I'm not the only one either.  I reckon you're right and it must be hormonal.

[nikkimichigan]

Same thing with me for the last two years. I only went to ER once, Halloween 2012..it was real bad that night.. Told me it was anxiety. I knew it wasen't. How can you be sitting watching tv and BAM your breath "catches". Very scary which could throw you into panic/anxiety attack but initial problem NOT anxiety. I sometimes have issues real bad when going to bed. So bad I have slept up right in a chair, scared out of my mind. One thing I have found that helps, and pardon my honesty, is orgasm. If I am having issues I do this and the next day I have no issues. It has to be hormones. I just got insured and going to get bloodwork done. Good luck ladies

[Baltimoremom]

I have been suffering from shortness of breath--difficulty taking a deep breath--between the time of ovulation and shortly before my period begins, for the past several years. I am 42 years old and in otherwise perfect health. I went to a cardiologist who said it is hormonal. Same story as the rest of you all. Glad to know this is much more prevalent, but surprised there is not more i formation or general knowledge about it among physicians who tell us to merely breathe into a paper bag,

[suek1000]

Hi,

Since your last post have you tried progesterone? It appears that progesterone raises gaba. So if you are low in progesterone, you might be low in gaba which might cause the feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Please let me know if you tried it and it worked.

[kimc444]

I remembered something about hormones during pregnancy causing me shortness of breath.  When I went searching I found this (and progesterone is highest about a week before your period starts):

"Apart from the pressure, the other cause for many pregnant women to be out of breath during pregnancy revolves around progesterone. This is a hormone that is present during pregnancy and is important in maintaining the pregnancy. It however does have a laxative effect on your muscles especially those which support the lungs. This means that the muscles will be lying on the lungs making it expansion harder. This hormone also greatly changes carbon dioxide sensitivity leading to the shortness of breath during this period."

http://www.howmanyweekspregnantamicalculator.com/why-are-most-women-out-of-breath-during-pregnancy.html

[Yinyi]

We are all in the same boat! In fact i am having the problem as i am writing this. Today is the 12th day of this breathing difficulty + dizzy spell + blocked ears and my menses is overdue for 3 days now. Always happens 7 to 12 days before menses. Extremely frustrating! I have checked my heart and am taking anxiety pills, so these should not be the cause. What i find helpful is keep yourself busy and not focus on it. That's all you can do i guess. Take care.