air hunger

[pir]

Finally I read an article in the paper describing what I have been suffering from for over 9 years.  The first time I read about my symptoms (inability to "catch" a cleansing breath) was after my fourth child was born.  It was in a Parenting magaazine.  It described how some women in their 3rd trimester would have trouble breathing.  It said it was due to the high levels of progesterone in the blood along with the high levels of CO2.  When both progesterone and carbon dioxide are high, the brain tries to rid the body of the carbon dioxcide.  I had suffered with this in two of my pregnancies.  However when I read this article I was no longer pregnant.  I was still experiencing these symptoms at different times.  Once I discussed it with my doctor, she ran the gamut of blood work, chest xray and pulmonary function testing.  All came back normal and she and I talked about progesterone.  It seems as though my symptoms are linked to my cycle.  Most of the time my problem starts around midcycle and gets gradually worse until I start my period.  Then it subsides.  That made sense to her since as a woman's body moves through her cycle, her progesterone level go up, up, up until her period begins.  Then it falls.  The only thing she thought to offer is to put me on birth control pills to control my levels of progesterone.  I decided against that, but am really getting sick of putting up with it.  Some months are worse than others, with springtime sticking out as more bad months than good.  I also believe stress triggers it too.  I have had a lot of stress over the past 2 1/2 years, so that makes sense.  Also, when I was being given the pulmonary function test, the pulmonologist told me exercize also increases your level of progesterone.  I exercize regularly.

Aside from the birth control pill, I am seeking any other advice out there!
Thanks.

[pir]

No, I haven't had the symptoms you have described.  I only have trouble getting that deep breath.  I think mine could also be linked to spring allergies.  I have never had them, but this year the pollen, etc. is really bad and I have had mild symptoms.

[colleen62]

I posted something about this back in November when I first had symptoms.  I am hypothyroid and at the time my doctor upped the dose of my Synthroid and I felt better.  Well, I started getting the symptoms again about four days ago.  I got my period also so thought it was due to this.  Did you also get symptoms of numbness and tingling in your left arm?  Also a hot, flushed feeling that would come and go?  Last night I was struggling to breathe so much I almost went to the ER, but tried to relax and it got better.  I've been thinking about having my progesterone checked but am too old to go on birth control pills so I hope there are other answers.