Acid-base menstraul bleeding

[maltUSA]

I have a friend who has limited access to health care and is afraid of going to see a doctor knowing it will cost her 'an arm and a leg'. Besides, her fear of not getting a satisfactory answer adds to the problem and prevents her from seeing a doctor. Here is the issue: each and ever time she consumes acidic foods or beverages, even in small amounts, she has menstrual-like bleeding, with the usual bloating, fatigue, irritability, minor back pains, clotting, and stomach pain similar to her actual menstrual flow. She usually goes on to have her normal period almost 28 days (+/- 1 day) after her last. Our initial fear was ovarian cancer, but ovarian cancer does not explain why it only happens when she consumes acidic beverages. The only logical link (logical from a non-medical POV) between her digestive system and her reproductive system in this case seems to be an allergic reaction caused by sodium benzoate and other acidic products prevalent in processed foods entering the blood stream and affecting her ovaries. Is this reasoning logical and in accordance with a medical diagnosis? What is the actual problem and what can be done besides abstaining from acidic food which is an almost-impossible feat? Can you help with any information regarding this problem? Thanks in advance.

[maltUSA]

Thanks for the information. It is something, even if it is only a hypothesis. That's better than where she has gotten thus far. Your help is highly appreciated!

[maltUSA]

Thanks for the information. It is something, even if it is only a hypothesis. That's better than were she has gotten thus far. Your help is highly appreciated!

[LivingInHope]

They say that one in five people have a pituitary tumor.  The pituitary gland is responsible for causing your friend to ovulate and menstruate, so that's why I think she should get those hormones tested.  I heard an ad on the radio (don't know if it's legit) where they were saying you could get (I'm sure for a price) just about any blood test you desired through their service.  Also, because she is bleeding so much, she might get at least her ferritin checked, which are the iron stores- if those are too low, she should be doing iron supplementation.

[LivingInHope]

Very odd- strictly hypothesizing here- I would think that the acid based foods would somehow have to be influencing on her hormones causing period like symptoms?  Because so far as I know, the reproductive system responds to hormonal influences.  I might suggest to your friend that she get a thorough evaluation of her FSH, LH, LSH, TSH, as well as estrogen and progesterone levels.