I am in dire straights; it seems like every month when I get my monthly "friend" I will get more IBS attacks and anxiety attacks. Lately it's been hard to distinguish between an anxiety attack or an IBS attack- I will get some of the "anxious" feelings like "I need to get out of here, now" or other anxiety type feelings but sometimes those same feelings means I need to get to a bathroom NOW! And Wham! IBS! Is there a connection to my hormones? If so; how am I supposed to combat this using the program? I tried those supplements that came with the progam but found some of the pills hard to swallow and the fish oil one sometimes opens up and I will burp it up (YUCK!) so I've stopped taking them. I wish during that time of month I could call into work sick OR at least do light duty stuff and not have to teach classes which seems to really bring on the anxiety/IBS but my office "mates" don't understand nor do they care. This is why I am retiring very soon and am strongly thinking about working from the home. But back to my original question: could my hormones be affecting my IBS and anxiety attacks?

Thank you for your imput! I am glad I am not the only one and that others do experience the same thing. Now, the true question is how can we deal with this without meds? I don't want to be on meds BUT if it's hormonal and not JUST in my mind then meds seem to be in order. The problem I've been having the last 7 years is trying to find out the right meds.

Laura, I also think there is a link between hormones and my anxiety. In fact, I really think (hope) that what I am experiencing is perimenopause, and that it will get better when my periods stop. I am 50 and this all started when I was around 47. I notice an increase in anxiety and stomach upset during my period, and the week after. In fact, I'm dealing with an upset stomach right now!

I am not sure about the connection between our "monthly friend" and IBS but it seems that I read somewhere that because our hormones change this time of the month it can be an IBS trigger. I know that my IBS and Anxiety are both worse at that time but I can tell the difference between the two. I am sure that this does not answer you question I just wanted you to know that you are not alone.