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Menopause

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Constipation/change in bowel habits in menopause - sudden change - any ideas??

11 replies

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 25/01/2025 23:19

I realise that menopause can cause umpteen symptoms and for some women, constipation/change in bowel habits is one. However, my change in habits has come on quite suddenly and it coincides with missing a period for two months.

This is the first time I have properly missed a period - they've been late/early a few times over the last couple of years, but never actually missed one.

I'm 55.

I've tried many things over the past couple of weeks, none has helped. I'm taking vitamin C like it's going out of fashion and normally, this would have me 'going' quite swiftly, but there's absolutely NO effect. Same with Senna. Tried Dulcolax and whilst I did 'go', it was barely worth the effort!

At first I felt uncomfortable, as you'd expect with constipation, but now I feel ok, just not going to the toilet. No urge. Ordinarily, I go every day without fail, and there are never any issues in that department. I can't quite believe that it's ok to suddenly change like this

I have obviously made an appointment with a doctor just to be on the safe side, but am curious to hear from other women about their experiences on this issue.

OP posts:
whatisforteamum · 26/01/2025 05:52

I had this.Oestrogen helped lots and I now have brown bread or greek yoghurt with bran flakes too.

HoraceCope · 26/01/2025 05:54

do you have plenty of water?

endofthelinefinally · 26/01/2025 05:54

Any change in bowel habit should be checked out by your gp.

Stmstm · 26/01/2025 07:06

Buy Laxido from the chemist to ‘unblock’ you but not for continuous use.

Then plenty of water - I’m on 2 litres a day.

Food with lots of fibre - I have 30g of fibre a day.

Lots and lots of brisk walking/jogging.

All three of those everyday without fail.

Good luck. Menopause is a pain in the arse - literally!

BananaSpanner · 26/01/2025 07:08

I’m prone to constipation during ovulation and pre-period. It’s got worse with peri menopause. Laxido for a day or so when I’m struggling helps me. Drink plenty of water whilst using.

Destiny123 · 26/01/2025 07:53

Dr. Any change in bowel habit needs gp review particularly as get older

Foxgloverr · 26/01/2025 07:56

She's already said that she's made an appointment with the doctor!

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 26/01/2025 13:05

@endofthelinefinally - as I stated in my post, I've already made a GP appointment.

OP posts:
PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 26/01/2025 13:18

@HoraceCope - Yes, already drank a lot, especially at the gym, but have upped it even more now!

@Stmstm - Yes, am upping the fibre. Have discovered prunes again and realised they're quite nice. Get a reasonable amount of walking, am trying to factor in more.

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 26/01/2025 13:57

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 26/01/2025 13:05

@endofthelinefinally - as I stated in my post, I've already made a GP appointment.

Sorry I did go back and read that. Don't know how I missed it. Hope everything is ok.

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 26/01/2025 15:10

@BananaSpanner - thanks, will look into that.

OP posts:
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