bad stomach ongoing

[katiekittlemouse]

i would appreciate any help/advice on this...
about once a month, and usually around the time of my period, I get a really bad tummy upset... it starts off with pain in the stomach, then I get very bad wind, often foul smelling (like rotten eggs - sorry!), and then develops into diarrohea (sp??). It normally lasts about 2 days and subsides if I just eat crackers, dry toast etc...

My general diet is pretty good - I rarely drink caffiene, and am vegetarian and eat pretty healthy stuff mainly. I am 45 and normal weight etc..

does anyone know what is causing this? it seems wierd that it normally coincides with my monthly period.

I don't know what causes it but I always get an upset stomach during my period. I've often wondered if it is because I tend to take quite a lot of painkillers as I do suffer with bad pains but I honestly don't know.

ftg - sorry to hear you suffer the same thing - I don't often take painkillers so it couldn't be that in my case....

I nearly always get diarrhea during my period. I don't take painkillers.

I get almost EXACTLY this problem and am 44, but mine is, I'm pretty sure, when I'm ovulating. I got a bit freaked out by this so went to the doc, who is very thorough and has ordered some tests. Doesn't seem worried but because I'm concerned about it, said it was a ruling out kind of thing. I'll let you know what happens if you like? Feel free to webmail me if you want to.

BTW, am also vegetarian with healthy diet.

thanks Bella11, would be very interested in the tests and how you get on. how do I webmail you? do you mean email?

Sorry, yes I meant that! Thought it was called webmail when was through website! Feel free though if you want to compare notes!

Hi Katie,

It could just be to do with your hormones. The normal hormonal changes in your cycle affect your bowel and how quickly/slowly it moves.
You should get it checked out, though. If it is that much of a problem, it could indicate an underlying health problem, such as endometriosis see here check out the symptoms list
or here.
I've had (got?) rectal endometriosis, and I did have similar symptoms, among others.
It's important to be referred to a gynaecologist who specialises in endometriosis.
Do insist on being referred if it's bothering you. If there is an underlying cause, you can benefit hugely from treatment.
Hope this helps.