are bowel issues a part of menopause? - Menopause Message Board

wwchi · 03-11-2009, 05:41 PM

Hi I just registered here and was hoping someone could maybe tell me what's going on!

First off I'm approaching 49 and have not had a period now for 5 months, no spotting, nothing. This is the longest I've ever gone without a period. Prior to my last period it was pretty erratic - and I could go 25 days or 60 days without a period.

Anyway, I mostly feel fine - I do periodically get hot flashes during the day, haven't experienced any that have woken me up at night.

My problem however is that for the past week and a half I have had some very different (for me) bowel issues. I don't have the flu, I haven't traveled out of the country recently and I don't feel nauseous at all. I've never had digestive issues before other than the occasional diarrhea/food poisoning kind of stuff. So this is different for me and of course I want to figure out what it is.

I'm not eating odd food, just whatever I normally eat, but every morning, except one, for the past week and a half I have had semi-diarrhea, then feeling constipated (yet can't go) and then have that constipated feeling for several hours following. Usually by mid-day that goes away and I feel fine for the rest of the day. Next morning, get up and it starts all over again. Also an increase in gassiness, which had started prior to this digestive stuff.

I'm going to go see my gyn but that appointment is still a few weeks away. Just figured I'd throw this out there to see if anyone can explain, offer any similar experience/advice, etc. THANK YOU!

I C Hot · 03-11-2009, 06:18 PM

Welcome wwchi, You have come to the right place to chat about these issues that come up. It sounds like you are peri menopausal and many time women start to have digestion problems. You might try and find a digestive enzyme that helps you, I have been taking one for a couple years now and it has helped me. You might consider a very bland diet for a few days and see if it helps to clean up the semi-diarrhea issues. Hope that helps some, keep checking back and ask what ever you need to.
Julie

wwchi · 03-11-2009, 06:23 PM

Thanks so much for the response. Good advice and when I see my doctor I'm sure he can recommend something as well. I'm not enjoying these digestive problems considering I never had them all my life!

herekittykitty · 03-12-2009, 06:45 AM

Try acidophilus and eating yogurt. This is a wonderful, natural way to help with those kinds of problems without using medicines. Acidophilus is also a good immune system booster in general.

92261 · 03-15-2009, 05:54 AM

I saw your message and thought I'd recommend for you to get some magnesium. Also increase your green vegetables and eat more fiber rich foods. Do you drink coffee? If so, coffee decreases the magnesium in your body and can make you constipated. Your body will know when it has enough magnesium because you'll end up with diarreha. Also, salmon and fish oils are a good way to get your system moving. "P" fruits - pears, pineapple, etc. are also good. Bananas have magnesium in them but watch that they don't cause binding. Use them if you're getting the runs. The BRAT diet - Bananas, rice, apples & toast - is for the runs. Exercise is also good for getting your insides working. Drink a lot of water too. Keep hydrated. Water washes everything through.