Bright Red Blood In stool

[cardom1]

I am a 47 year old female, overweight, but otherwise in good health.  I have had IBS symptoms for years that are exacerbated by hormonal changes.  I have not had any examinations to confirm this.  Just a diagnosis by my doctor based on my description  of the symptoms--cramping, constipition  and diarrhea, perspiration, loose and elongated stools.  I am still regularly mentruating (avg every 24 days) and not yet having any noticible symptoms of menopause (the occasional "hot flash").   When menstruation starts my symptoms are relieved for approximatey 10-15 days when they gradually start up again, increasing in intensity until my period begins immediately followed by relief over the next day.  The last several days before menstruation are the most uncomfortable.  This is disruptive enough that it occasionally disturbs my sleep.  Recently, over the last two months I have seen bright red blood in my stool.   It is on the outside of the stool and in patches.  What is the likely cause and how should I proceed.  Obviuosly I need to see my physician but I wanted to see what I might be up against first.

[sarah197]

Go see the doctor and get an occult stool test. It checks to see if there is blood in the stool and if its abnormal. You might want to see a GI specialist as well for the nest step.

[jim445]

it could be internal piles , you should visit your physician soon before it aggravates and becomes external pile


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