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Dyspepsia & Menopause

Dyspepsia, more commonly referred to as indigestion, is a medical conditioned characterized by discomfort or pain in the abdomen due to difficulty with digestion. Dyspepsia can be associated with menopause due to hormonal changes or diet.

  1. Dyspepsia

    • Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a digestive disorder characterized by symptoms of heart burn, heart palpatations, angina, perspiration, tenderness, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating and belching. Long-term dyspepsia is typically diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastritis or acid reflux. Treatment includes dietary modification, antacids and in some instances, prescription medication.

    Menopause

    • Menopause is the final stage of the woman's menstrual cycle and notes the permanent end of that female's reproductive capability. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 58, with 51 being the average age. Symptoms of menopause include irregular menstrual periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, increased abdominal fat, thinning of the hair and loss of breast fullness, dyspepsia (indigestion) and diarrhea.

    Cause & Effect

    • During menopause, air sometimes fills the abdominal cavity with gastrointestinal bloating, flatulence and symptoms of indigestion in some women. This is due to the decreased levels of estrogen in the body during menopause and other hormonal changes in the body. For example, progesterone has a calming effect naturally but high levels of progesterone, as seen in menopausal women, can cause bloating.

    Other Considerations

    • Metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract also slows during menopause, which can lead to digestive issues. Natural bacteria living in the intestines cause abdominal gas and flatulence during the digestive process. Eating a diet high in sugary foods, heavy in protein or high in processed junk foods will increase gas and symptoms of indigestion. One way to help reduce indigestion during menopause is to eat a diet rich in fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and other plant-based foods.

    Expert Insight

    • It is important to regular visit your doctor, particularly in the years before and during menopause for preventative health care. Additionally, while indigestion is unpleasant, it does not typically require immediate or emergent care. However if the indigestion persists or the pain becomes unbearable, contact a medical professional.

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