Hi All - I have a daughter who upon turning 9 started showing signs of puberty - developing - mood swings etc. She also started have tons of gas - both in her bowels and burping. The cramps were so bad that she didn't want to leave the bathroom. Now its 9 months later and she still is having these symptoms although now I give her a gas pill which seems to help. My husband thinks that its more in her head since she is the original drama queen - but she's never been prone to faking or overdramatizing illnesses before. Can gas be a symptom of puberty? She doesn't have any other symptoms of illness. thanks!

I would say yes, it can be related. I had problems like this when I was young, about 15. It all revolved around my menstrual cycle. I had bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. Even if some say it is not possible, I did. In my case, it turned out to be related to Ovarian Cysts, which they treated with Birth Control pills.

Also think of her diet. X out sodas and carbination and add a fiber supplement a day. My friends daughter just went through this she is nine. Turns out she had entered her third picky eating phase and the lack of fiber was really hitting her digestive track hard. They added a fiber tab every morning and things are good now.

Sincerely,
MG

MG - thanks for the suggestion about checking her diet - that's the first thing I did. I'm lucky that I have a daughter that hates anything that fizzes - so she doesn't drink any kind of pop ever. She mostly only drinks water, yogurt drinks, orange juice/grape or sometimes gatoraide. She eats a ton of veggies (we strive for 9 around here) but she is totally stuck on only white carbs - pasta, rice, white bread etc. So maybe she's not getting enough fiber. The veggies keep her regular though:) I even tried to check if the gas was related to when we had icecream in the house - I only buy it for a treat now and again. thanks again for the suggestion! qudiva