Can perimenopause cause digestive issues?

[Afternooninthepark]

Although I have had IBS for over 20 years now at 47 it has become a bit of a nightmare.
The last couple of years have seen me in a flare up and I’m not sure if my unsettled hormones are to blame.
I seem to get so much more gas, wind, awful bloating in the evenings, gurgling guts, no appetite, indigestion and a horrible nauseous feeling that makes me want to burp all the time.
Last summer I had a clear gastroscope, colonoscopy, ultra sound scan and ct scan. The gastroenterologist discharged me and when I asked if perimenopause could be to blame he shrugged his shoulders and said ‘maybe, speak to your gp’. The gp just gave me a prescription for IBs meds and antidepressants which haven’t helped. She says because I have regular (albeit horrendously heavy) periods and no regular hot sweats that I’m not in perimenopause, may be nearing that stage but not there yet.
I beg to differ because I have felt crap the last few years, excessive and all consuming anxiety, digestive issues, bad PMS, absolutely no sex drive, lethargy and sleep issues etc.
I think I could just about get through life atm if I could control these bloody digestive problems and the anxiety.
Has anyone else experienced this during this time of your life? To say this is getting me down is an understatement.

I know my period is coming when my guts start playing up. Normally they're very healthy but around the start of my period I get very windy and loose. Ugh.

Pregnancy and menopause effected my digestion and I became more reactive to gluten.

Lots of things can get worse or even better during hormonal changes.

Did your gastro dr not refer you to a dietitian for the FODMAP diet?very offhand not to even suggest that. I suggest you pursue that- there are NHS dietitians trained in it or you can go privately. Marianne Williams is an expert dietitian (NHS and private) who can do video consultations.

The Fodmap works for 75-80% of people.

If you try it, and it works you might not need more help but on the other hand there are many women like you using HRT to help peri symptoms (NOT ADs) so you might want to push for that.

@Afternooninthepark Link for you www.wisediet.co.uk/

JinglingHellsBells I was under a hospital dieticians for 3 years and tried the low fodmap strictly 4 times, sadly I seem to be one of the 25% of people who do not respond well to the diet, I was quite gutted about that tbh as I had high hopes, I am really beginning to believe my symptoms are exacerbated by hormones. I have an appointment with a gp this coming week but so far I have not had much success with them but it’s a different gp at my surgery so fingers crossed!

Oh that's a shame.

Your GP is likely to b clueless on this if it's perimeno. Sorry but they usually are. Your best bet is a private menopause gynaecologist and if it is hormonal, then HRT is the answer as estrogen supports every organ in the body including the skin (which is the body's biggest organ.)

Thanks Jinglinghellsbells you are right there, I’ve seen 3 gp’s recently and all they offer me is antidepressants, I’m not bloody depressed! I’m on the waiting list for an appointment with Dr Louise Newson or one of her associates, I can’t really afford it but sadly I am not getting anywhere with the NHS in my area.

Ah, hopefully she will sort you soon. If you were nr London I could suggest others but they are the same fee.
Pretty disgusting that 5 years ago now NICE told GPs to stop using Ads for women in peri and they either weren't listening or think they know better .

Jinglinghellsbells I’m actually in Essex was planning on doing the consultation via zoom but if you know someone nearer to me that would be even better.

Yes I have had similar complaints am 47 this year. Was tested for coeliac but it's not that. Have stopped eating gluten and that has helped a great deal.

Having the same. Late forties too. Gallbladder out last year. Recently lost a lot of weight (4 stone) but having GERD symptoms before losing the weight and months later it's started again and I've started taking omeprazole again.

Hi,
Have you thought about whether you might be lactose intolerant? A lot of ur symptoms fit. Try avoiding all dairy, check products for milk powder and whey, they are sneaky and in everything. I'd even avoid all animal milk that says its lactose free. Give it 2 weeks and if you feel any better try lactose free milk and if you want, cheese only have very mature cheeses (it will say zero carbohydrates in the nutrition information). If ur still ok you could keep off it completely or test yourself with something really milky or full of whey power. If you feel nauseaus and or have a really rumbly tummy you are probably lactose intolerant. I hope you feel better soon. Ps very heavy periods are apparently quite common in your 40s, (ask ur dr for tramexamic acid) You could try reading the Vagina bible, its very interesting.

@Deccan1 OP describes how she was being treated by a dietitian (NHS) for years and the Fodmap diet- and that excludes lactose at some stages.

@Afternooninthepark The person I'd suggest is only doing Zoom anyway!

I could have written your post and I am 48

Burbly tummy, wind, bloating, bowels affected too.

I am great at the beginning of the day and get more bloaty etc as day goes on.

It fluctuates over the month.

I have an appointment with GP Monday, watch this space.

Deccan1 I do think I am lactose intolerant but have been strictly lactose and dairy free for 15 years.
jinglinghellsbells no worries.
dingledongle bubbly tummy, that’s exactly how I’d describe it! Hope you get somewhere with your gp, my appointment is Friday and it’s with a different gp than normal so fingers crossed!

Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

Hi OP, if you google '34 symptoms of menopause' and try and find the power surge website I think you'll find digestive issues on that list.

There's a great Power Surge Facebook group too, full of peri and post menopausal women sharing symptoms and support.