[nhlgal]

i was just diagnosed with ibs and depression and prescribed lexapro! whenever my period comes i feel worse! is that normal with ibs? last month it wasn't bad cause i quite caffeine....but does stress make the ibs worse right before your period? i get these panic attacks and worry but my doc is like i'm fine and it's the depression and the ibs? i can't take the ibs anymore...i know i'm probably being a baby and tons of you out there have been suffering from it for years and me just a few months...but i feel like it's the end of the world. i never knew how important a normal bowel movement is and it scares me that i get episodes of d and c and cramps and i don't know what to do?????

 

[Jenny Snell]

I have found that my IBS sysmtoms are worse when a period starts, or is about to start. Because of this I now have a contraceptive injection every 10 weeks, which has now stopped my periods completely. It may not work for everyone but it is quite common for periods to stop when on this injection.

 

[AZMom]

What you describe is VERY common with IBS. Actually, it is the change in hormones around the time of your period that makes IBS worse. Sounds like your Dr is not listening to you. This too is common with IBS. You may want to find another one that truly understands IBS. There are other meds that will help with anxiety. Anxiety and depression are also common with IBS, who wouldn't be depressed with this problem! Your Dr. should change meds for you. Do some research on this BB. Perhaps an SSRI or tri-cyclic antidepressant would help. Because of the chemical involved in IBS (Serotonin) low dose antidepressants help ibs symptoms.AZ

 

[loulou]

Lexapro is a SSRI. I believe this is an anti-depressant with an anti-anxiety combo. Anti-depressant drugs can take about a month to six weeks to work. I'd also look into some deep breathing relaxation exercises.Good Luck

 

[lflower]

You are not alone. I get more IBS symptoms pre- and during my period. Change of hormones.... Glad that you've quit coffee. I'm 49 and menopausal and the night sweats went away when I stopped the coffee. My twin sister, who doesn't have IBS got her night sweats to stop by stopping coffee too. Anyone who knows me will know that I will suggest excercise, both for depression and IBS. Those endorphines are better than any prescription for depression any day. Natural. Healthy. Plus you feel good too.

 

[gladkit]

I can feel your pain. The prior 2 months have been rough around that time so I am drawing that conclusion that horomones do make things worse. It is getting close again and my nerves are already shot (IBS - D with anxiety). I even ended up in ER pre-menstrual last month. My Dr. thought that I might have appendicitis because I was also having pain in lower right side. Good thing I ended up in ER because I needed 2 bags of potassium. Bad thing that it caused me to miss my Vegas trip and a whole week to recover. Cutting caffeine and exercise would be good first steps. I am still working with my Dr. to find some happy medium.

 

[BusyBee4]

My IBS is really bad a few days before my period, it usually gives my D, an awful, lower backache, headache and general crankiness. I dread that time of the month with a passion. I just went through it last week and it was a BAD WEEK. I am hoping for a better time this week. I take the Immodium for the D, use ThermaCare pads for my back (gives huge relief) and get as much rest as possible.You are not a baby, I think alot of us women go through this every month. I hope the Lexapro helps you out. Good luck!