question: I have had recent swollen lymph nodes in my arm pit monthly the week before and during my menstrual cycle.  My doctor seems to think that this is normal due to the increased bodily fluid and hormone activity.  The swelling is red, and very painful; when my cycle is over, it subsides until the next month.  It generally starts out itching badly and progresses to red and painful.  Is this normal? I'm 5'7", 150#, 43 y/o, basically healthy, I have a great deal of stress at the moment, I'm prone to cysts, foliculitis, and benign tumors.