Severe constipation with IBS and perimenopause

[Ruddyusernames]

Hello , I am 48 and have had IBS( main symptom constipation) for about 10 years, usually worse in times of stress . Over the past few months it's been particularly bad, I go to the loo only 2-3 times a week. I've tried everything. I have a mostly v healthy diet , eat v little processed food , cook everything from scratch , lots of fruit and veg , plenty of water . Have a glass of wine a few times a week. Pilates a couple of times .Go on massive walks every day. When it gets bad I take a dulcolax at night, but am reluctant to do this as it's not as effective as it used to be . I am on hrt for perimenopause and not a good sleeper , v light , wake several times a night.

Can anyone advise if they experience the same with Perimenopause , it is a symptom apparently, and any quick fixes for the constipation? I am miserable most of the time and feel v sluggish.

Thanks.

Meant add that I've tried all the obvious stuff , black coffee , prunes , licorice etc.

This is me but without Pilates and with pcos on top.

Got too bad a few months ago - gp advised 2x daily ispaghula husk stuff.

It tastes like sweaty balls but heaven is a daily poo without tears.

Mine got so much better when I cut out bread. Alcohol also makes it flare up.

Yes I've taken the husks before and they've really made me so horribly gassy , but maybe I'll try cutting out bread and alcohol again , although I don't eat / drink that much . Both bloat me though, perhaps yeast affects constipation. Thanks both for your responses .

Poor you. Do you take multivitamins?
For me, supplements of calcium and iron cause constipation.

I'm 48 too and have been having similar symptoms since October. It hadn't occurred to me that it could be perimenopause-related, as l I haven't had any other peri symptoms yet, but your post has made me wonder... I'm being tested for coeliac on Monday in case it's that. Dairy and bread seem to make it worse.