Can regular IBS symptoms just come on in middle life?

[Thelowquietsea]

I'm nearly 50 and for the past month I've had stomach issues. I've never had IBS before.

Either I have a burning in my stomach, my stomach feels bloated, sometimes it looks VERY bloated, my bowel movements have changed (softer and slightly more urgent) and a feeling of reflux. I was out in a restaurant on Sat and it felt like i had a real flare up, and it was bad for a few days. It calmed down, but still bloated and today I feel really sore and bloated again. and totally knackered.

I've got a doc's appointment in a week in case it doesn't go. I keep thinking it might be a bug? I didn't think IBS just developed. Worse case, I worry it's something more serious.

I'm post menopausal on HRT but never had a change going on it before.

Yes. It's a cumulative effect. It sounds like IBS. I had bad IBS for years and keto cured it. I practically don't eat veg any more and when I do my IBS comes back just as bad as it was before. You have my sympathies OP it's horrid. Hope you feel better soon.

I’m glad to see you’ve booked a GP appointment, OP, as you can never assume such symptoms are due to IBS until you’ve excluded all the nastier possibilities.
That said, people can slowly become less tolerant of lactose as they get older, and their level of lactase enzyme declines in their gut. That can lead to bloating and bowel issues.
There has also been a recent bug causing bloating and abdominal pain, which a number of friends and acquaintances have complained of.
Wait and see what your GP says. They may well want to investigate further, so they don’t miss anything at a nice early treatable stage. As a general principle, self diagnosis is rarely useful!