AIBU to ask what might cause urgent morning bowel movements?

[Wahey79]

Sorry if TMI. Every morning for a number of years now I have needed a fairly urgent bowel movement, always with sound effects. It’s getting me down and I can’t understand it.

I’ve tried the mental health side in case it’s IBS (yoga, breathing, exercise, etc), removing triggers (my WellWoman multivitamin tablet was making it worse as I was taking it at dinner, so moved it to breakfast time and switched to a gentler brand). I’ve given up caffeine, reduced alcohol (mostly none), my diet is balanced with plenty of fibre (but not excessive amounts).

I am otherwise well health-wise, on well-tolerated HRT. If it was related to dairy/bread etc surely I’d have problems at other times of the day? Bowels normal otherwise.

Any advice or ideas appreciated. Thank you.

I had this and it was down to eating too much of a certain raw vegetable!

I also experienced a bit last weekend after eating too many blueberries.

You think you are eating really healthily but are actually taking too much cellulose. I had no idea. I've had a colonoscopy, an ultrasound scan and only worked it out by accident when I was away and didn't have my usual raw diet. I still eat fruit and veg, but less, and only cooked veg now.

The ridiculous thing is that everywhere says that it's unusual to get IBS after 50.

I mean, hello, most menopausal women with hormonal digestive issues are late 40s/over 50! OK maybe it's not "IBS" but it's identical symptoms!

I think it is dietary in that hormonal changes mean you can no longer tolerate foods or a food that you used to.

OP - I saw your post about the magnesium - you could try the Heavy Metals version which is aimed at helping you sleep and isn't a laxative. I don't take it every night but I don't think it affects me. I also take iron but on alternate days (I've read recently that it's just as if not more effective if you take it every other day rather than daily).