Worsening of IBS symptoms since hitting Perimenopause - anyone else?

[CaraVann]

Although I’ve had gut issue for 25 years, it wasn’t until around 5 or so years ago (the age of 45), that I started to see an exacerbation of my symptoms and wonder if hormones play a role in this?
I now suffer from almost daily indigestion, burping, awful nausea, gurgling and growling stomach and guts, gas, unpredictable bowels (constipation and diarrhoea at different times) and a very off feeling in my digestive system, making life quite unbearable at times, especially with the additional peri symptoms on top.
Over these last 5 years I have had so many tests (blood tests, stool tests, ultrasound scans, a ct scan, a colonoscopy and gastroscope and a pill camera endoscopy!!). The gastroenterologists say it’s IBS and functional dyspepsia.
Nothing helps and I have tried and still try everything suggested for IBS but I wonder if it’s out of my control because of my up and down hormones?

Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes it was hell and I was loosing weight at one point.

Look at histamine intolerance but I have to say a good level of oestrogen is what's helped the most on hrt

I also think I had lactose intolerance for a while which avoiding helped. That's ok now

I turned 50 this year, but have been suffering with gastric issues for over 2 years now.

I had an endoscopy and have a small hiatus hernia, and an inflamed gallbladder, but I have had the most awful gastric issues with gas and heartburn etc.

The symptoms always come to a peak when my period is due, I am now noting the pattern.

I am not on any HRT as my periods are still going, but are erratic, so currently on a normal one, whereas the last one was barely nothing.

My doctor is not interested in discussing the menopause at all (male). but there is a definite link to the symptoms getting worse each month when I am due on.

I take Peptac (Gaviscon) for the symptoms.

I also have this weird jittery/juddery feeling , but the doctor has no interest in that either

WarriorN I’ll look into histamine intolerance, thanks.
skyeisthelimit It’s awful how GPs dismiss us so much. I’m 50 in March, I’m constantly being overlooked for peri even though I have so many symptoms.
Is the jittery/juddery feeling like a low blood sugar sensation? I get this loads.

Caravann I don't think it is blood sugar as that actually gives me the physical shakes, I am type 2 diabetic, but this is more in my head / neck and also in my chest which is the trapped gas. I have been having them on and off since Feb 202 when I had my first major gastrict attack and ended up in A&E thinking it was a heart attack. (They think it was a panic attack ).

I have got an appointment now on 4 Jan to discuss everything with a different doctor as mine is off. I listed everything over the phone and he was uh yea ok, best if you come in for a chat as there is a lot going on there.

It was horrendous earlier this week and I feel so ill I get to the point of thinking maybe I need A&E, but I just stay calm and glug gaviscon until wind passes and I start to feel a bit better.

I am currently on 60mg of lansoprozole twice a day, and peptac whenever I need it a

This is very interesting. I know we are 6 weeks on but wondering if you have any ideas on what I can stomach? I know everyone is different but i seem to be living off spinach based things. I am starving! I need a whole new overhaul of my diet and no idea where to start. I am not losing weigh because I am so bloated, currently sat at work and need to pop to the shop to get some lunch but no idea what to get because nothing seems to help.

Have you heard of FODMAP? My IBS also worsened around the start of peri. I'd previously known what set off my IBS but suddenly lots of other things were having an effect too. I read up on FODMAP and worked out which of the high FODMAP foods were not for me. It's a bit overwhelming at first as you think you'll be able to eat barely anything, but that won't be the case when you've worked it through and seen what affects you and what doesn't.

Wish I had some answers for you missvic, I’m the same. Nothing I eat seems to help despite being so careful. I can eat one food one day and be ok, eat the very same thing another day and feel awful. I feel your lain, I really do.
rayssunshineeverywhere I’ve been low fodmap for 8 years. I used to be ok and know most of my triggers but since peri hit, even low fodmap foods often upset me. I just don’t know what to eat anymore.

After increasing Utrogestan due to increased oestrogen I have noticed a substantial improvement in my gut issues (too loose, reactive mix of FODMAPs and histamine issues) if this helps anyone. (x2 25/28)

-no but i will certainly check this out, thank you

That’s reassuring tackytriceratops and an even greater reason why I need to try hrt, my digestive issues are causing me so many issues right now.

Oh yes. Im 50 in June and am basically shitting out everything i eat and so bloody hungry because of it. Then i get constipated for a couple of days then back to going lots This week has been awful And when i go its loads each time as if i havent been for a week

@skyeisthelimit HRT is not just for people whose periods have stopped. It probably provides greatest benefits if started during perimenopause. I started it at 43 on the basis of my symptoms and still have regular periods. It's helped loads.

Perennis my doctor is reluctant to prescribe it due to all the other issues that I have, but I have such terrible brain fog at the moment :(