Does perimenopause exacerbate IBS or cause gut issues?

[Handcreamqueen]

I am 50 and have had IBS for 25 years. It was manageable before but now (last few years) it‘s just awful.

The symptoms are daily and causing me so much stress and anguish.

I have had endless tests, tried literally every diet (still on low fodmap), endless medications and remedies, hypnotherapy (which I still do every evening) but none of these things are helping.

I can only wonder if my out of whack hormones are causing these issues?

GP and gastroenterologist (a woman in her early 50’s) just shrug when I’ve asked if peri can cause these issues, so I don’t know who else to turn to for help (can not afford anything private as this issue is preventing me from working atm as it’s so unpredictable).

I have indigestion, nausea, acid, pain in my stomach, intestines and colon, gurgling (so, so much gurgling, especially after eating), growling, burping, flatulence, soft stool (I often go 3 or so times a day, especially in the mornings).

I don’t know what to do anymore anymore. It is truly taking over my life, it’s daily and stopping me going out and living a normal life.

I’m younger than you but peri and had gut issues last few years . I’ve had a range of investigations, including colonoscopy, and nothing has been found to explain it

@Handcreamqueen your symptoms describe exactly what my 25 year old son is going through right now - the latest test is a CT scan to cover his gall bladder and pancreas. I know what he's going through so you have my utmost sympathy.

In answer to your question - probably! My digestive system is all over the place these days - from being a regular poo every day just after breakfast I'm either constipated or have the runs but then settle down to 'normality' for a few days. Unlike you it doesn't cause me any issues other than discomfort so I'm lucky but I wish I could go back to my normal.

Fishandchipsatthebeach I’ve gone through the same, lots of tests including my second colonscopy in 4 years which was completely clear, thank goodness but I’m still no nearer to finding what is causing these issues. Have you managed to find anything to help relieve your symptoms?
blobby10 I really feel for your ds. My issues hit at the age of 25, just out of the blue. I hope he finds some relief soon.
I experience the same issues with my toilet habits as you, constipation then the other way. I wonder if progesterone is causing the constipation and oestrogen the diarrhoea?

Yes, my IBS has gone crazy in the last few years of peri. HRT doesn’t seem to help it. Feel really anxious now about staying away from home/having visitors. It’s rubbish!

I really feel for you Helenahandkart I feel the exact same way.