In the wk preceding my period, i always have a day or two of digestive issues (things like gas, upset tummy or mild constipation). what causes that?

Hormonal issues: As hormones rise and fall during the menstrual cycle, some woman experience different symptoms as the fluctuations effect them differently. You appear to get some GI issues before your period. Sometimes, if they become very irritating, you could try altering your diet the week before with more fluids, an over the counter stool softener, and or antacids, etc. To combat the issues. Best wishes.

Hormones: A lot of women have cyclical digestive issues! we believe it is because of the fluctuations in your hormones that occur premenstrually. We have high levels of Progesterone before our periods, and this hormone can slow bowel motility. What i usually see is constipation before the period, and then loose bowels during the period, and then everything goes back to normal.

Very common: No one knows for sure what causes pms, but those symptoms are associated with pms. It typically occurs the week or days before your period and goes away soon after your period starts. Things that help pms include good diet with low salt, no caffeine or alcohol, exercise. Drink plenty of fluids. I would not worry that something else is wrong as long as this is always associated with your period.