Since April of 2008, I have had "episodes" almost every month where I don't feel well at all. Here is a little background.

I was on birth control pills (Loestrin 24) until December 2007. I resumed taking them in September 2008. I've never had problems with them before (I've been on them for over 10 years). I also did not get pregnant during the time that I was off of them.

Every month around the week before and during my period, I get the same symptoms- bad cramps, nausea, severe bloating, shaking/chills (no fever), weakness, lower back pain, no appetite, gurgly stomach, bouts of diarrhea right before my period is due, occasional sharp pains while passing stool, fatigue, headaches, cloudy/fuzzy head, heartburn and occasional acid reflux. My OB/GYN has done an ultrasound to check for cysts or fibroids, but it came back normal, as did my pap smear. She suggested changing my birth control to Seasonique, but I don't think that will change my symptoms every month and I'm a little hesitant to only have 4 periods a year. Blood tests have come back normal. I'm having a hard time finding a doctor that will listen to me and work with me. I don't want to chalk it up to bad periods- I have never had periods that have knocked me out for 2-3 weeks out of the month.

I have a consultation with a gastroenterologist this week, who will hopefully be able to help me out. I also plan to find a new OB/GYN who will hopefully work with me as well.

In the meantime, I ask for your opinion based on the information above. After researching online, I have come up with 3 possible causes: endometriosis, diverticulitis, or gall bladder. Do any of these sound right?

Thank you for your time.