Hi everyone...Oh my yes!!!I'm 47 - have had bouts of IBS since puberty.In my mid 20's both my periods and my IBS attacks became, well, shall we say, extreme?(vomiting & nausea along with excruciating cramps, hormonal migraines, all along with a hefty dose of IBS A)Many doctors visits over the years, and many test results always returned normal.I usually spent the better part of two weeks in hell - pms week, followed by my period.I did find some relief by taking a few herbal supplements, diet modification, Tylenol (with codiene!).Dong Quai (an herb, so check with your doctor) seemed to help regulate alot of my hormonal fluctuations, said fluctuations seemingly a large part and parcel of my problem,and I had to be quite careful about the painkillers, as they can cause constipation.(problem solved by swallowed said pills while drinking daily dose of Metamucil!) Probiotics helped me a bit too, (acidopholus, lactobacillus) with the IBS, as does Bromelin (or Bromelain)a digestive enzyme. (again, although it's only an enzyme from the fibrous tissue of the pineapple plant, probably best to check with the M.D. if you're on any other meds or such)The predictable nausea that came with taking any pills, or even eating sometimes, (usually Jello and Rice was about it for me) for that matter, was horrible, and, at the suggestion of a friend who is on medical marijuana, I tried it. (I'm not pro, or con, on such topics, but, I gotta admit, I'll try just about anything) It did help immensely with the nausea, and helped with relaxation too.Better sleep, less anxiety about it, and less tummy turning!(my 20 year old daughter likes to tease me the pot is a 'gateway drug' and not to be influenced by 'peer pressure')Regardless of all of that - I'm now heading into menopause, and (woohoo - does the happy dance) I seem to be somewhat relieved of most of my menstral symptoms! I still have periods, very irregular, very light, but rarely any cramping, nausea involved, just a minor amount of cramping...so mild I could still go dancing if I wished!

The IBS however, has gotten a whole lot worse - however, I am finding being extremely careful about my diet has helped somewhat.(I miss coffee, I'd have a cup, and within an hour, I'd be doubled over...but...I really miss coffee...alot.) Do I sound bitter? Anyway, I do advocate getting a full medical workup, just to be sure there isn't an alternate problem involved, and then, perhaps trial and error on diet, painkillers & other methods of relief.I do hope everyone feels better! Such a shame to see so many women going through this...There's gotta be a solution out there.Be well!Jj