Very swollen stomach all the time

[peekyboo]

Hi,
I've no idea if this is peri related. I've been noticeably (to me) entering peri menopause for over a year. My stomach has always been my worst feature, I'm an apple figure naturally. But it's just so much bigger than before.

I noticed it more over the past couple of months. I need to lose weight, which is nigh impossible at the moment. But wondered if there could be a menopause issue that would make it swell up?

I should add, it's from under my books right down, so think it is my stomach and not my abdomen.

Boobs! Sorry, my phone hates me.

I'd visit the GP for that, actually.

Same problem! Some cow in the supermarket even asked me if I'm pregnant (I'm size 8 skinny everywhere else) in front of my DD.

Nothing you can really do. Low carb helped a bit, but I'm not doing that for life. Gie up the booze... not doing that either.

It is like you have an extra 'top stomach' bit isn't it? Depressing. I'm 48. Never been overweight and always had a great figure

Oh I have had every scan under the sun. It is the menopause.

I don't drink, I do like carbs but have a high fibre diet too - which is good for me, but probably not good for the bloating. And yes, I've had people give me the stare, the one where they're silently figuring out if I'm pregnant!

I have read one (of the many) side effects of peri and menopause is a disrupted indigestion plus gastric reflux (I have got this now too) it basically swells you up

My thighs and bum have disappeared and I look like a weeble, a skinny weeble! ANY weight goes here.

I am just relieved to know I still look young enough to be pregnant but I do wish people wouldn't ask.

Do you exercise?

Mine was the same and at the end of last year I started circuit training 2-3 times a week. I've noticed a huge difference and no longer have that bloated look.

I've still got a way to go but I no longer look 6 months pregnant - and don't have that awful tight bloated feeling any more.

You really should get it seen to. I don't want to worry you but sometimes swollen stomach is a sign of ovarian cancer. Please get it looked at! It doesn't mean it is, it could just be due to being peri menopausal but it is not worth ignoring it.

Yes, I did pilates for 6 months and definitely noticed a difference, you don't drink, but I also gave up booze and carbs for 6 months and noticed a difference.

But I am really not prepared to alter my whole life so much to try and look 30.

Anyway, it was just such a constant bloody battle. Miserable frankly.

You're right I'mnot but I have been thoroughly checked out. I am now able to spot a menopausal woman from a mile off.

Old ladies all are thin with huge stomachs (where I live)

Men too, TBH.

HRT has helped a bit

Once I got peri-menopausal any weight seemed to go straight on my belly! Also any weight list goes straight from there too.

Am on HRT and a side effect is bloating. Mentioned it to my GP and she sent me for scan and bloods. All was fine but best to get checked out.

I'd see the doctor too.

Why can't my bum disappear ?

I will see the doctor. I want to see her anyway, to get myself officially checked. I'm hoping it'll be ok as she specialises in menopause. But will get checked out for worse stuff too.

I do quite a bit of walking, I find running etc so dispiriting and hard, plus have dodgy joints and am afraid of making things worse. I'm hoping me and the dog can keep things ticking over.

One of the worst things I’ve found about hitting the peri/menopause stage is to stay slim you have to do even more exercise and eat less than ever before just to stay the same, what makes it worse is that I’m more tired now due to peri and getting a bit older, so having to run/workout further, faster and more frequently whilst eating less, is so depressing it’s just all so bloody exhausting. Sorry OP that’s not answering your question but I just needed to vent!

Peakyboo I had this too. The things that have helped were following the 16/8 diet. Probiotics and no artificial sweeteners apart from Stevia. Probiotics can mean anything from Kefir to live cider vinegar to fermented vegetables. Also when I was perimenopausal I became really bloated when premenstrual and would often look pregnant.

@teta I have been in the 16/8 diet in the past and had great results. I was planning to try again so thanks for the nudge.

If anyone is interested in trying it, it's intermittently fasting. But be aware there is some concern over the effects on female hormones so I tend to go with a 14 hour gap to be on the safe side.

Peakyboo I think lack of sleep and stress are also important. I find Yoga really helps to calm me down and relieve stress and anxiety. I also find if I sleep badly due to hot flushes my stomach swells.