Is this normal - IBS triggered by Periods

[damnedchilblains]

I was diagnosed with having IBS about a year ago and it certainly hasn't got better to the point that I don't even bother going to the doctors anymore, as peppermint oil capsules and "watch what you eat" really do not work.

Anyway, I've come to realise that the symptoms the doctors attribute to IBS are actually triggered a few days before I'm due to start my period nd finish a few days after. Is this normal to IBS or should I be worried about the possible relation to hormones. Is it possible I've been misdiagnosed? Can somebody please help?

wrinkly it wasn't tmi thank you for mentioning it because I have the bleeding also, is endo something I should be worried about.

attila, how would I go about getting seen by a gynae. I have actually had this for a long while at least 5 yrs but had two kids and figured if there was anything wrong it would have been picked up then.

I think as it can be VERY painful, and cause damage, it should always be investigated. I have had laser laps, been on the pill, had a zoladex implant (HELL ON EARTH) and changed my diet. Nothing really helps or cures it. However it can be managed, decent pain relief helps for sure, as does the pill at the moment as I have no periods this no bleeding, so it's a welcome respite!

But I have pretty much all the symptoms of intestinal endo, Attila, so add that onto the endo that is sticking my uterus to my bowel, and my right ovary behind my uterus too, and I am a mess! Am seriously considering having a baby soon, as a single mother, as I want children and as time goes on the damage the endo does will make it harder and harder. One gynae consultant told me 5 years ago to crack on with having kids. It's a huge concern as I will be devestated if I cannot

Chilblains, go to your GP and demand a referral. The GP isn't allowed to fob you off with stronger pain relief etc, or dxs of IBS. (Although most do, it would seem)

I would recommend seeing a specialist too.

My mum had undiagnosed endo and adhesions (possibly due to c section scarring) - it progressed so far her only option was a hysterectomy aged 40 - not good!

chillblains

I would insist to your GP that you are referred to a gynae as a matter of course. This sort of problem is not something that a GP should try and treat.

You will need to be persistent in order to get answers.

Echo what everyone says about being persistant. I have had the symptons since I was 14 but didn't get a proper diagnosis until I was in my thirties. I was always fobbed off with "you will grow out of it" and "after children you will cope better with pain" I was even told its was because I was a virgin at one point. OUTRAGEOUS

hi,
i suffer from the same symptoms. posted on a thread about a month ago, where someone mentioned endometriosis.
i have been seen by a gall bladder specialist who has now done an ultrasound and a ct scan and not found anything. he has refered me to a gastroenterologist, but i asked him if a gynaecologist would not be better. my symptoms are cyclic, starting a few days before period. i have blood in my stools during my period. the pains are similar to gall bladder pains, which is why i ended up with the gall bladder specialist, but my liver, spleen, gall bladder are clean (and the ultrasonographer commented that he wished his looked like mine...).
is there any simple test to see if endometriosis is a likely cause of our trouble?

Honneybunny - that was the thread I started

Interesting to read this thread and peoples experiences.