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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.  
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Avatar universal
Im 12 and have shortness of breath too. Its like having shortness of oxygen. However I feel like sometimes I cannot breathe anymore, and all I can do is drink water. I get super scared and my anxiety kicks in which is horrible. I had to go to the hospital 2 times and took an X-ray of my chest, and heart. Everything was fine, thank god. However it only happens during my period cycles. I get terrified because because I'm only 12, and feel scared of death. Thank goodness there are some people out there with the same problem!
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1 Comments
Your shortness of breath is definitely a symptom of your anxiety, I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks myself but I don't necessarily need to be anxious to have symptoms, the sudden onset of say, shortness of breath or weightlessness, is what gives me the actually anxious feeling. So the more you understand what the symptoms of anxiety are (there are tonnes on breathing and feelings in the chest) the more you'll be able to put aside worrying and eventually the breathing will fade, just don't expect it to take a couple of days :)
Avatar universal
Same thing happens to me. Ive had chest xrays, ekgs, blood work, peak flows, all normal. I've been told it's anxiety caused by hormone changes. I do notice I feel more tense and nervous on my period. I've been dealing with this for 10 years now... it *****. BUT I also noticed my sinus passages feel more swollen around and during my cycle also. It's easier for me to breathe through my mouth... which in turn makes me feel like I can't get good breaths... which makes me anxious... which makes the breathing situation worse. Vicious cycle anxiety is. But be rest assured there are many people out there who deal with the same thing. :/ Hormones.
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1 Comments
Oh my god!! My nasal gets swollen as well during this time and I thought it was just me!! So glad there are other women out there experiencing the same things so we can go through it together!
Avatar universal
Thank you so much everyone for posting your stories! I too have the same problem. Can't get enough air in. I'm 2 days into my period now. The slow breathing into my tummy helped last night that someone suggested to get me to sleep. I'm 41 and I have an 8 mth old. I know the entire time I was pregnant and exclusively breast feeding (no period) I had none of these symptoms and I had no anxiety, so to my mind it's definitely hormonal. The same thing happened when I had my first child 3 years ago. I too have low iron but am supplementing. Not sure this is related. Can't wait for a study to be done - completely affects my life for 5 days a month.
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Avatar universal
Wow. Its 2020 and I'm reading this post from over a decade ago. I wonder how everyone is going. I'm 26 and have been having air hunger during PMS for about a year now. I just started on Vitex because i have irregular periods and PMDD (hot flushes, heart palps, anxiety, fatigue, nausea etc a week before my period). I'm hoping that helps this breathing issue.

It's not constant, just comes and goes during the days leading upto my period. it's not a fun sensation. hoping it's not Endometriosis that has spread to diaphragm/lungs. I had an internal ultrasound and no endo was reported (but from reading comments, im not sure if its viewable via US)

Being a woman is hard.
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Avatar universal
Endometriosis that has spread to your diaphragm or lungs.

It will not be visible on any scans.  You need to have a laparoscopy and thoroscopy to see.
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2 Comments
I think you misunderstood or missed the point of my post. I never said I had endometriosis in my lungs or diaphragm. I simply said it was one of the many issues I had as a domino effect of being on so many unnecessary pills from misdiagnosed illnesses.

As for scans not being able to detect endometriosis, is untrue. I've known more advanced doctors who have been able to see masses on high quality scans which have then been confirmed by a laparoscopy. Unfortunately the friend who had a laparoscopy had hers come back straight after, and that is because the issue is not dealt with at the core. Endometriosis is caused by too much estrogen and people are told that there is no known cause and that a laparoscopy is the solution...but it'll just grow back if the hormones are out of balance.

People are misinformed about the issue and told the wrong information. That's why they don't fully recover or something goes wrong. Even my gynocologist said laparoscopies are ineffective and invasive. My endocrinologist said the same thing. My integrative doctor said why endometriosis comes back or occurs in the first place...Because during each period the endometrial tissue will grow back in the wrong places if not dealt with at the core.

My post referred to the lung issue as increase of prostaglandin and inflammation.

If someone asks for help and they're provided with tried and true information but refuse to consider it, that's their own decision. But sadly they may end up in a vicious cycle.
Im a medical professional.

I view imaging regularly endometriosis is not visible in peritoneuem wrapping around the liver capsule, wrapping around the diaphragm in the super diaphragamtic facsia or inferior.

Its also not visible at all under the any portion really of the right hemidaphragm.

Nor is it visible in the pleural space, causing scp or just spontaneous pneumothorax.

Excess estrogen is not the cause of endometriosis.

Its is a complex set of neurohormonal molecules.

Currently, we believe it actually displays both benign yet metastatic properties.

Progesterine can help as it induces a psuedo pregnancy state... preventing shedding of endometrial lining and more regrowth of coily and spiral arteries.

But its a complex case.  And if dyspnea is significant it needs to be removed otherwise pneumothorax and potential fibrosis will develop.

All the best!

Avatar universal
Yep. Hormones and asthma go hand in hand. Experienced it myself in the worst possible way for a few years now and it had gotten worse the more pills doctors put me on. I've been to emergency hospital nearly 5 times now and have decided to see a naturopath/holistic/integrative doctor who gave me an all natural approach. All the pills I was given by regular doctors resulted in many many side effects such as hair loss, muscle loss, difficulty breathing, chronic fatigue, rashes, hot flashes and endometriosis. Those doctors simply diagnosed me with more 'illnesses' and put me on more pills to deal with those, instead of looking at all the side effects as a whole. It was a domino effect that I wanted to end.

All mainstream doctors couldn't for the life of them figure any of this out for me with all the blood/scans/tests they do, they all come back with nothing. I've rudely been told it was simply a panic attack which ironically made me anxious.

My Integrative/holistic doctor was the only one with access to a saliva hormone test which was the only test that showed anything out of the ordinary for me. It showed my E2 estrogen was way too high and my progesterone was a bit low in relation to one another. He told me that years of being on birth control pills have made my own glands inactive and the only way to restore them was to come off of birth control and all the other strangely prescribed medications and replace it with herbal and natural supplements as well as an extremely strict diet.

Vitex is a herbal natural alternative to birth control pills to assist with progesterone levels, so is eating cruciferous veggies like spinach, broccoli, cabbage and leafy greens. I also cut out all sugar, chemical sweeteners, processed or canned foods, alcohol, caffeine, msg (which causes inflammation) any meat or dairy that has added hormones or isn't grass fed, unroasted nuts (roasted is fine), soy products, wheat/gluten and any other foods that would further raise my estrogen/mess my hormone levels or cause inflammation.

Also prostaglandins can elevate leading up to a period, so fish oil is meant to help lower those because they can also cause shortness of breath. Natural anti-inflammatory foods like tumeric/curcumin, garlic also help with asthma/hormone related issues. As long as you regularly keep up with all of this, over time it can improve symptoms.

I also take magnesium supplements (if you poop more simply eat more fibre and it'll help balance that out eventually), iron, D3, Zinc (very important for hormone regulation of many types as well as a natural anti-stressor).

This was very long, difficult and extremely strict but I know 2 other people that this completely fixed their issues with persistence and discipline. I have also seen some continued improvements so I am sticking to this plan as every time I strayed I relapsed. I hope this helps someone out there.
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1 Comments
Endometriosis that has spread to your diaphragm or lungs.

It will not be visible on any scans.  You need to have a laparoscopy and thoroscopy to see.
Avatar universal
And find a doctor that is an ob/gyn that specializes in hormones.  Get tested for a progesterone allergy, but if it's negative, don't give up.  The skin test has a 50% chance of showing.  I'm 38 and have been struggling for almost 4 years.  Shortness of breath and sinus issues about two weeks out of the month.  It sucks.  There are specialists in Boston or other major cities, but don't give up.  Be your own advocate.  And when you get doctors who think you are crazy, find different ones that believe you. And journal all of your symptoms.  Show the doctors your patterns.  Good luck!
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Avatar universal
Look up autoimmune progesterone dermatitis
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Avatar universal
My girlfriend just had it right now in South Africa, Mafikeng, she was panicking and crying she looked so scared like... so i tried to stay strong and prayed in my heart and ask her to meditate on in her heart "psalm 23", i then put a fan close to her face and gave her some cold water and we also tried that she should breath into a bag, so tonight i am not sleeping as i have to try and watch over her and if i do fall asleep i asked her to wake me whenever she feels it again so that we can do the same routine. The problem is that after drinking the water she has to go pee and its so painful when she pees that she has to hold on tight to me and i have to bare the pain of her nails knowing she's going though worse that i can imagine, wish the was some way we can share it. So now going to do some research and combine all the info i find and post it here. By His stripes we are healed.
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Avatar universal
My girlfriend just had it right now in South Africa, Mafikeng, she was panicking and crying she looked so scared like... so i tried to stay strong and prayed in my heart and ask her to meditate on in her heart "psalm 23", i then put a fan close to her face and gave her some cold water and we also tried that she should breath into a bag, so tonight i am not sleeping as i have to try and watch over her and if i do fall asleep i asked her to wake me whenever she feels it again so that we can do the same routine. The problem is that after drinking the water she has to go pee and its so painful when she pees that she has to hold on tight to me and i have to bare the pain of her nails knowing she's going though worse that i can imagine, wish the was some way we can share it. So now going to do some research and combine all the info i find and post it here. By His stripes we are healed.
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Avatar universal
My friend is having it and she says it never happened before and idk what to do oml;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;
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Avatar universal
it is driving me crazy as well this shortness of breath and I started to notice it's right before my cycle like a week or so prior it angers me more then anything because I travel for work and I am on the go all the time.   So glad to see its not all in my dang head lol.   I'm 54 and was a late bloomer when my menstrual cycle started so right now I'm pre menopausal and I still get my menstrual cycle.  Yes it is frustrating and my Dr had suggested I go to an anthropologist and I haven't yet because again I'm out of town so will keep you all posted to see what they may or may not recommend.
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Avatar universal
Please refer to https://difficultybreathing.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

and also

http://www.rbphd.com/Docs/breathingretraining.htm

Progesterone is highest right before our period and you can see in the second article that progesterone causes a drop in CO2 levels. It all makes sense to me now. My air hunger is every day and it is due to low CO2 from deep breathing constantly.
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Avatar universal
I go though the same thing too I have shortness of breath two weeks before my period and when I have it for 7 days then after I stop my period I spot for days and I still have shortness of breath and I look up and Line find out why this is happening to me but I couldn't find anything out I thought it was just me until I come on here I am 41 and I had my tubes tied for five years now thanks to all of you I thought it was just me
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Avatar universal
Just chiming in here to say: I did the Google thing because this has been bothering me, and I have been to the doctor enough to know they don't know, and I am so glad you ladies have shared your stories! I, too, feel like I am short of breath around "that time". Mine really ramps up a day or two before my period and lasts throughout. I feel like I am constantly having to take a deep breath. Also, I cough a lot more than usual and feel like I have phlegm in the back of my throat/chest. So, I will press on, as only we warrior women know how to do, and at least know that we suffer together! Peace and strength to all!
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for this post - I too have similar symptoms and feel so relieved having seen all of you reporting that you experience similar problems. At the same time it makes me angry that so many women live with these symptoms worrying about their health while just being told that it is anxiety related. I will definitely show this post to my gynecologist the next time I go.
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Avatar universal
Hello all of you.I have the same sypmtoms of shortness of breath one week before periods.what I have found is that its all because of nasal blockage.I have allergic rhinitis and if I dont use nasal spray and anti allergy tablet I have that shortness of breath before periods.I am using avamys nasal spray and sontel tablet 10 mg for this and I have found that this shortness of breath dont happen to me.sometimes we dont know that our nose is blocked and we start taking breath through our mouth and when we breathe through our mouth we feel that we r not taking enough oxygen and we feel like breathlessness.one more thing it usually happens before periods is because of changes in hormones and blood flow.and our nose get blocked.I took these medicines and my nasty symptoms have gone.u can consult some ENT speacialist in your area and take medicine for allergic rhinitis.
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Avatar universal
Like so many others here, I have been suffering in silence for the last year or two. Severe fatigue, shortness of breath and Severe headaches. I thought it was just because I am now 45 and heavier. But I recently started running on my treadmill and found that I am fine except for the two weeks prior to my cycle starting. The day or two before actually start, I am a mess. I find simply functioning a problem. I get so depressed, my head throbs, and I can't even walk up the stairs without feeling like I am going to die. I am not on any kind of hormones or BC. Even taking Centrum daily vitamins to no relief. Sad that we have to go through it, but happy now to see I am not alone.
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1 Comments
I've been getting my periods for the past 3 years....I'm 13 now.....but its the first time I'm getting breathless.......is it supposed to be normal????
Avatar universal
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I also have this happen to me!!! I really thought I was crazy!!!! Its happened for so many years, and only last year did I finally put the pieces together, that it happens during my period. I actually thought for a number of years I was allergic to vodka !!!!! LOL!!!! I am 43 years old, and I am so serious when I say, it was only last year, I realized these horrible episodes were during my period. I also have been to the Dr, and the ER, many times thinking I was having a heart attack> I've had asthma my whole life, and when I would go to the ER and they wold give me a breathing treatment, I would get SOOOO frustrated, they didn't understand, this was not an asthma attack!!!!!! Just recently, I finally shared this with my dad, who googled it, (DUH) never thought to do that.... and he found this!!!!I was so thankful I wasn't insane!!!!! One person mentioned they take xannex...... that doesn't work for me!!!! the older I get the worse it gets, ITS SO HORRIBLE!!!! however..... I think I may have found something that works!!!!! there are many theories on here, who knows which one is right???? Someone had mentioned low oxygen due to losing so much blood. That really doesn't make sense, being that, myself, and many others commented it starts a couple days before the period actually starts. Who knows?? Anyways... first let me say, I am not trying to sell anything for personal gain. I bought this stuff on amazon!!! A friend had turned me on to a product, the maker is metagenics. VERY EXPENSIVE products. Can only be sold by a person licensed to sell metagenics. Protein shakes, vitamins, ETC. I, unfortunately for my bank act, am addicted to buying these damn products. Recently, I got tired of never being able to log in the my persons site to purchase some things. so I looked on amazon, and sure enough, they sold so many of these products, stuff Id never even heard of !!! I was SOOO excited! after looking through many products, I came across Hemagenics. Support for red blood cells.Just a bunch of vitamins really.... but for $20 for a 2 month supply, what the hell??? Maybe its all in my head, I don't know.... but my symptoms started a couple days ago, I seriously wanted to cry.... I took an extra one of these crazy vitamins, and I swear.....I was able to breathe!!!!  It hasn't been completely normal, but It DEFINITELY has been so much better than normal! I know I sound like an advertisement, but I really just people to get the same relief I'm feeling. Again.... maybe its coincidence, Im crazy, IDK... but so far I have found some relief. For anyone interested.... go to amazon, search metagenics hemagenics.  many to choose from. It should be about $20 a bottle
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Avatar universal
Hi Ladies,

experience the same thing, however there has been about two cases where I had actually been saying my "into thine hand I commit my spirit oh lord" prayer. I had one as recent as last friday. These two episodes happened in the wee hours of the morning, awaking me from sleep and it is always accompanied by a racing heart. Does anyone else get the racing heart too?
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17635236 tn?1458587797
I have exactly the same symptoms, I went to the hospital several times to the emergency , I got my heart full check up all came out fine, The only thing that help me is taking half a pill of 2mg of Xanax (alprazolam) when I feel short of breath and dizzy and works like magic , all the nasty symptoms are gone and after about a week my period start
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Avatar universal
I have noticed this symptom more and more as I get older, I'm 48. I mentioned it to my doctor, she said it's not common, well I guess judging by this thread it is. Thank for all these posts!
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Avatar universal
I too have been experiencing shortness of breath before, during and sometimes right after my period.  It has gotten worse as I've gotten older (I'm 45), as have may of my PMS symptoms (especially headaches and mood swings).  It's funny though. I remember feeling these symptoms when I first started my period at age 10 through my early teens but by late teens, 20s, 30s it wasn't quite as bad. I think I experienced the symptoms but didn't put 2 and 2 together because it didn't happen with every cycle. But now that I'm perimenopausal, it seems happen with every cycle.  I'm a physician so I've done a lot of self-diagnosing and come to the conclusion that it has to do with the fluctuation of hormones and possibly pulmonary endometriosis.  What makes me really upset is that there are no studies out there that I know of that are actively investigation PMS and the havoc it wreaks on women's lives.  I know if this were a condition that affected men, there would be countless studies (and probably cures).  I think it's a shame!  I believe if studies were done, we would find out that many conditions/symptoms that women suffer through (from depression to shortness of breath to migraines to insomnia) can be linked to hormone imbalances. Anyway, I'm glad that we now have the internet as a forum to discuss these issues and to discover that we are not alone.
Helpful - 0
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