Can we talk Bowels

[PGTip]

Lots of diareaha (sorry for spelling) at the moment but no stomach upset. I'm seeing the Meno dr next month, waiting on blood tests and we're going on holiday so can't see her sooner, lots of symptoms but need it confirming. Suffering horrific anxiety at the moment, it comes and goes but on bad days I am a wreck. Does this sound like peri?

How old are you op? Could the anxiety be causing the bowel changes or is the anxiety a result
of the bowel changes and worrying about the situation?

Gluten intolerance ?

I don't know? I'm 45, hoping the blood tests will help. Lots of aches and pains as well, having spoke to dr yesterday she suggested I see the Meno dr.

Never been gluten intolerant

Well, one assumes that the doctor knows what they're on about when they suggest you need to talk to a different doctor.

But bottom line is that a change in bowel habit that lasts for more than 3 weeks needs investigation. I was wondering if your meno doctor appt fits that 3 week rule of thumb, and if the symptom persists, that is when you should be referred for colonoscopy.

As above. Any changes in bowels need investigating. Referral for a camera/ look and see.

If you have anxiety, this produces adrenaline and that can make bowels go into overdrive.

Who and what is the 'meno dr'? Is this a consultant or is it another GP who deals with menopause?

Blood tests for peri are not recommended by NICE. Your hormone levels change hourly, so they are not reliable.

FROM NICE
Consider using a FSH test to diagnose menopause only:in women aged 40 to 45 years with menopausal symptoms, including a change in their menstrual cycle

If your cycles aren't irregular, blood tests not needed.

In the meantime maybe try something to help deal with y our anxiety- again, I'm not sure if you are anxious= loose bowels or loose bowels= anxiety.

It sounds like IBS which can be triggered by emotions as well as food.

Look at the FODMAP diet which is for IBS. You are supposed to do this with a dietitian but short term you could start it and see if it helps. Basically you cut out lots of fruit and veg, and gluten. It's an 8-week program after which you can introduce foods one at a time. You can develop gluten intolerance at any age.

Do you have real diarrhea (watery) or is it more loose stools?

All noted thank you

Hi my anxiety has an impact on bowel health but now anxiety has lessened things are back to normal. Remember diahoria is several watery stools a day. Not loose regular motions

Hormone levels can have an affect on bowels too and there is a huge connection between poor sleep and bowel issues.

Are you sleeping ok OP? I when I was going through peri my sleep was shot to hell. Several clinical studies show a clear connection between bad sleep and bad bowels.

And of course, lack of sleep also makes you more stressed and anxious. As already mentioned anxiety can have a huge effect on the gut and then your hormones are all over the place and you are caught up in a vicious cycle.

www.verywellhealth.com/ibs-and-sleep-1945289

Not sleeping great tbh, ok once I've dropped off tho. Anxiety does make it worse definitely