Did your digestive habits change during perimeno?

[nala]

I’m starting to panic. I’m 49. Going to the doctor on Thursday to discuss. Been waking up with cramps, as if my period was going to start but no period. Had a pap and pelvic ultrasound and both normal.
So I realized it wasn’t menstrual related. Am noticing more cramping after I eat. More frequent bowel movements fluctuating with constipation. Heartburn. My diet hasn’t changed. I did gain 10
Pounds over the course of the year.
I know it’s a gross topic but I’m freaking out.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I'm sorry you are going through this, it sounds painful and scary. I'm glad you have a doctor's appointment. Is it your with your GP? If I were you, I'd try to get an appointment with your OBGYN as well as your GP.

I'm the same age, and I went though menopause a couple of years ago. I did get constipation as my hormones waned. I still occasionally get some cramping and spot bleeding (but no real period) if I do certain things (like drink too much caffeine or do certain exercises that use my pelvic muscles.) But it sounds like what you are experiencing is something different. Please do go get seen as soon as you can.

Your OBGYN can test your hormone levels with a blood test and tell you where you stand regarding menopause. But I do know that during perimenopause, your hormones can fluctuate wildly. I actually went into and out of and back into menopause -- so your body can sputter like a car engine. Mine did.

Hugs to you.

 

[nala]

I'm sorry you are going through this, it sounds painful and scary. I'm glad you have a doctor's appointment. Is it your with your GP? If I were you, I'd try to get an appointment with your OBGYN as well as your GP.

I'm the same age, and I went though menopause a couple of years ago. I did get constipation as my hormones waned. I still occasionally get some cramping and spot bleeding (but no real period) if I do certain things (like drink too much caffeine or do certain exercises that use my pelvic muscles.) But it sounds like what you are experiencing is something different. Please do go get seen as soon as you can.

Your OBGYN can test your hormone levels with a blood test and tell you where you stand regarding menopause. But I do know that during perimenopause, your hormones can fluctuate wildly. I actually went into and out of and back into menopause -- so your body can sputter like a car engine. Mine did.

Hugs to you.

Ty! I did go to my obgyn yes, my hormones indicated that I am in perimeno. This was in the summer. I had a Pap smear done last week and results are normal.
I am going to suggest to my primary that she refers me to a GI.

 

[marymm]

Yeah, during menopause our levels of estrogen falls, which can affect the production of acid in the stomach -- which can cause acid reflux, indigestion and pain/discomfort.

Generally, digestive systems do slow down as we age -- taking time to chew well and swallow in between bites becomes more important, as does staying upright (standing or sitting) after meals, rather than slouching/reclining/laying down too soon after eating.

Foods that we used to be able to easily tolerate may become more problematic as we age -- spicy/tomato/pepper, popcorn/seeds/nuts, cheese/milk, chocolate/caffeine -- you may want to keep a food diary for a week or two and see if there's a pattern.

Your doctor may order a colonoscopy (large intestines) and/or endoscopy (esophagus, stomach and small intestines) to see what's going on.

As has been suggested, you may also want to consult your OB/GYN for their input.

Hope things improve soon.

 

[nala]

Yeah, during menopause our levels of estrogen falls, which can affect the production of acid in the stomach -- which can cause acid reflux, indigestion and pain/discomfort.

Generally, digestive systems do slow down as we age -- taking time to chew well and swallow in between bites becomes more important, as does staying upright (standing or sitting) after meals, rather than slouching/reclining/laying down too soon after eating.

Foods that we used to be able to easily tolerate may become more problematic as we age -- spicy/tomato/pepper, popcorn/seeds/nuts, cheese/milk, chocolate/caffeine -- you may want to keep a food diary for a week or two and see if there's a pattern.

Your doctor may order a colonoscopy (large intestines) and/or endoscopy (esophagus, stomach and small intestines) to see what's going on.

As has been suggested, you may also want to consult your OB/GYN for their input.

Hope things improve soon.

Ty for taking the time to share. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy consult in February. I got bloodwork done in July and all was well but will get bloodwork tomorrow as well.

 

[Lookinagain]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I did not have any of these issues so can't respond on the cause or whether it may be peri or something else. But please have it investigated further.

 

[donnabrsd]

I had pain similar to menstrual cramps a few months ago. I saw a GI specialist who did an exam, bloodwork and x-ray which showned nothing unusual. A week or so later, I went to the emergency department where they did a CT scan. It ended up being diverticulosis and colitis. I was prescribed antibiotics and the pain went away in a few days. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[monarch64]

It’s not gross! You’re experiencing stuff we all do eventually. Please don’t think of it or describe it as gross?
Not there yet but had an IUD placed 2 years ago and it’s a godsend. No more periods no more cramps and I’m 45.

 

[nala]

So I wanted to update this thread. My blood work came out 100 percent normal! And after seeing my doctor, she said she couldn’t see or feel anything abnormal on my body. She did encourage me to go to my GI, which I have scheduled anyhow.
But I do have even more great news! Shortly after my visit, I asked my DD to prepare me a tea. I had started drinking this tea since the onset of my initial cramps —bc I did get a 3 day period—to avoid coffee. Now, I had never purchased the tea. I had sent hubby to grab me one. In his defense, he is neither a coffee or tea drinker. Since he had been preparing these, I had never even read the box. So as dear daughter is preparing me the tea, she is very puzzled and asks me—“Mom, why are you taking a probiotic? Lemon ginger probiotic tea? I thought you wanted to decrease your bowel movements!”
I did a double-take and we both laughed hysterically!! Soooo, needless to say, I no longer have the excessive bowel movements and all that jazz! I have been feeling normal!!! Since I stopped drinking that damn tea!
Thank you all for your support. If anyone is irregular, I highly recommend lemon ginger probiotic tea