Please Help With Bloating - Menopause Message Board

Howitt44 · 06-04-2006, 01:09 PM

I will be 50 in December and have been in perimenopause for a bout 7 years. I have been on a natural progesterone cream for cramping, moodiness and irregular periods for 2 years. It has really helped and kept me regular most of the time. I noticed this problem with bloating several years ago and it would come and go. It seemed I had to be really careful about what I would eat. Well, I haven't had a period in 3 months even though I've used my cream faithfully. The bloating is not in my lower abdomen, where you would think it would be because of no periods, but in my upper stomach region. Everything I eat causes me to puff up like there is a balloon inside me! I have 3 sizes of jeans that I can wear depending on the time of month and now even my big size are getting a little uncomfortable. Does anyone else have this stomach issue? Last night I made the mistake of drinking a carbonated drink and WOW was the ever a mistake. TOday I am still feeling the affects of it. The things that bother me most are carbonated drinks, bread, and sweets. I feel great if I don't eat. I was so proud of myself when we went to Olive Garden to eat dinner the other night and all I had was soup and salad. I felt great! I would really be interestd in other people with this problem and hearing their stories. Also I read that during menopause, weight accumulates around the middle. Oh great! My mother and grandmother - they both had the stomacks and tiny toothpick legs! I have genetics against me!
Cindy

delaney1 · 06-04-2006, 01:32 PM

Howitt
I have had a real problem with the bloating for the last several months. I am 50 yrs old and the bloating started when I was having very heavy bleeding for a few months. Went to the dr, had a D & C done, then put on low dose bcp. I thought I would feel better after the D & C but didn't. I kept thinking there was something seriously wrong with me. I felt horrible. It was also the upper abdomen for me too. Almost seemed to be pushing against my lungs so I couldn't breathe as well! I tried to take walks but was too miserable. And what bothered me was that it was constant and I would get nauseus. I am on my second month of bcp and it's getting better BUT-- I constantly have to watch what I eat. I stay away from high fat (a real sacrifice for me), pasta agrees with me so I eat alot of that. Fruits and veggies are good. Sweets don't agree with me either. Carbonated drinks bother me as well. I have totally adjusted my lifelong eating habits and have accepted that this may be a way of life. Now that I feel a little better, I am back to walking at least one mile a day. That helps. Yes, the fat collects at the middle. I do abdominal exercises as well, but be patient because it's really hard to get rid of. I also take acidopholus pills, calcium, magnesium. I really don't know what works and what doesn't. I know that Mylanta is my friend and I don't leave home without it. Good luck. I know how very frustrating it is. I keep hearing that it eventually gets better.

Howitt44 · 06-04-2006, 01:57 PM

I hate to sound dumb, but what are BCPs?

delaney1 · 06-04-2006, 03:02 PM

birth control pills.

Howitt44 · 06-04-2006, 04:43 PM

OH, I feel so stupid! I guess I don't associate birth control pills as a high topic on the Menopause Board. My husband had a vasectomy years ago; but I know this time in a woman's life it is possible. Thanks.
Cindy