Could I have IBS?

Hello, I am new to this board.  I noticed that there are members here who seem to know alot about IBS, and I was wondering if I can get there opinion, as to whether the following symptoms may be caused by extremely high estrogen concentrations or if I should seek medical attention for possible IBS. 

For 3, 3 1/2 weeks of every month, I don't have any type of digestive problems.  However, the week right before my monthly cycle, I become increasingly more constipated and gaseous.  The day I get my period, I get severe, painful abdominal cramps, and extreme constipation with really nasty gas (seriously, if you can bottle it, you can possibly use it for chemical warefare LOL!  It is that bad).  At times, (not every month, I get this sharp pain at the end of my colon...it feels like I sat on a knife...which temporarily immobilizes me until the pain subsides...usually lasting a couple of minutes).  During the second day, all symptoms other than that associated with your menstraul cycle are gone.  Is that IBS?

It can be IBS but not necessarily...hormones can do funny things to the way your entire body reacts and that includes bowels...it's quite common actually, but usually women with IBS or IBD struggle with their periods more because of having either disease/condition, although you don't have to have either in order for your change in hormones to throw everything out of whack, including how your bowels behave during that time.

Just pay close attention and if your symptoms start to last longer then they presently are or if things get worse or you get more symptoms of IBS or IBD type, then seek medical attention...at least that's what I would do, afterall docs have a hard enough time DX when a person actually does have either IBS or IBD let alone someone who's exhibiting very little symptoms of either.

:)