Hi Holly,
I can definitely relate! My period knocks me for a loop every single month. I think I feel good less days then more during the month! First, I get it 2 weeks before (just like you) and then usually during. I then feel good until ovulation comes around and it just starts all over! I almost died when I read the part where you have too much saliva! I have had that for like the past 2 years and feel like I am always swallowing. I feel so much better knowing you have the same thing. I hate my period! My anxiety escalates so bad...I have really bad dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, muscle aches....ugh......Sometimes I hate being a woman! You are definitely not alone though!!!
swallowing/breathing/hormonal issues why???
yeah 2 weeks till my the middle of my perod is hell! hormones are terrible. I get so frustrated and all my emotions are magnified. I get more irritable, depressed, anxious, angry , moody. . everything. I even start to feel sorry for myself which i hate doing but i feel like i cant help these feelings. its a hot hot day today and it has made me feel worse.
Holly I'm a guy without the hormonal issue but fear of choking and not being able to swallow during a panic attack has been a huge issue with me. When that happens now I'm learning to not just quit eating but to chew my food more and drink lots of water to help it go down. My first major panic attack was at a great Vietmenese resteraunt and I had to spit my food out. It sucks, I hope you get well because you are not going to choke! 

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
~~ Ronald Reagan
~~ Ronald Reagan