Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | IBS and menstruation....can it help symptoms?

If menstruation were to have any effect on IBS symptoms, would it always be negative? I'm wondering for this reason: Two years ago I went on a diet and lost a LOT of weight. I was so thin that I lost my period for 1/2 a year. During that time I had a lot of D. Pretty much every single night actually. Once I gained weight and my period came back, my stomach got better. Also, when I got pregnant (and I lost my period obviously!) I also started getting IBS symptoms. They continued and got worse after giving birth. I have been breastfeeding exclusively for 10 months and have been without my period until now. My son has started eating more solids and nursing less and I got my period about 3 days ago. I have been feeling exceptionally good now and have been feeling even better for the last week or so. Do you think it is possible that my hormones play a big role in my symptoms? And maybe I do better when I am menstruating because of the hormonal stuff? I'm still going to keep up w/ my SF supplement, pepp. tea, and diet because I think it is just a very healthy way to live. Just thought I'd see if anyone had input regarding this topic...maybe menstruation helps my IBS!

Thanks

Amber

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