Hormones

[Claire44]

Hi all

I have posted about this before, so apologies if you have already replied. Every month on the run up to my period my ibs d is terrible. I have approached my doctor and she totally dismissed me, stating there is no link and sent me off for more blood tests. I know my own body and I'm sure there is. My bloods came back showing my iron levels are low, so now I'm on iron tablets which I am sure will make my ibs worse. Anyone else had a similar experience. Thanks Claire x

[lbknox04]

Absolutely! Same thing happens to me every month. It starts about a week before my period and sticks around until just after. I’ve read that there is a strong hormonal connection with IBS. My iron is also low, but my dr decided to try a b vitamin complex to raise the iron level and protect my tummy.

[Claire44 in reply to lbknox04]

Thanks for your reply, I feel so much better for knowing I am not alone and that I am right. I am so annoyed with my GP. I am going to ask for the medication you have, as I am convinced that the iron tablets will make my tummy and diarrhea worse. As for the hormone link my GP refused to give me anything but I do have Tranexamic acid which I hope will help.

[Hidden]

Hi there Claire, what a load of tosh, your doctor is completely wrong as I have seen a fair few posts on here that say hormones are a link to IBS. I read a post earlier this year where someone stopped using her topical hormone cream (this is cream you use when you are going through the menopause) and about 4 months or so later her IBS symptoms have all but gone. I was using topical cream as well and stopped using it quite a while ago now, say 3 months, and I'm not as bad as I was.

Follow your own mind and keep with this forum, you know your own body!!

Alicia

[Claire44 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alicia

Thanks for your reply. You are quite right. It really does annoy me that my doctor totally dismissed me. I also know that I am peri menopause but again it was dismissed because I'm 45. I know I'm right and have booked to see another GP. Thanks for your support.

[Hidden in reply to Claire44]

So glad you have booked to see your GP, you know your own body, they don't know everything. I might not be a doctor but I know myself when things aren't right with my body.

All the very best.

Take care

Alicia

[Maureen1958]

Hi Claire, I agree with the others, there is definitely a link between ibs and hormones. I was always worse during a period, and also noticed it around ovulation, and the menopause was pretty awful too. But everywhere you look on the web it always says there is a link, I am sure that's why more women than men have it. Maureen.

[Claire44 in reply to Maureen1958]

Hi Maureen. Thanks for your reply. I am definitely going to stick with it. I too am worse around ovulation as well. I can't understand why my GP would not have it. Well I'm going to see another so fingers crossed xx

[Anxiouspony12]

Hi there yes I did! Then I went vegetarian quit eating meat and it totally went away!!! I did it for ethical reasons but added bonus! I actually discovered you can be sensitive to meat. Oh and I'm lactose intolerant too so slowly going vegan. I can't have soya milk though as that I'm sensitive too. Oh and my Doctor said avoid gluten on period and eggs bad too. Oh and I have special painkillers too! I'm much better now! 😊My dietician discharged me cos I was more healthy. Obviously I get period cramps but the painkillers work on them now! They never used to before! I literally thought I was going to die every month before I went vegetarian the pain was so severe I was on the floor balled up in absolute agony going hot and cold and thinking this is it. So glad I change my diet.

[Claire44 in reply to Anxiouspony12]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I eat alot of eggs so I am wondering if they are a problem for me. I too am lactose intolerant but I'm OK with Gluten. I follow the Fodmap diet and just avoid dairy. I know my hormones are a problem, and have just come to expect it so I try not to plan things around them. I'm just so pleased I'm not alone xx

[Anxiouspony12 in reply to Claire44]

Your welcome! No your not alone! Yeah I'd try cutting out the eggs then for a bit see how that goes for you. You might be ok with odd one but too many they are bad for bloating I was told that. Good luck!