Digestive Symptoms of Menopause

Most people know that menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, and that symptoms include mood swings and hot flashes. There are many other symptoms of menopause that do not get as much attention, but are real, including issues surrounding the digestive system.

Indigestion

• According to the "American Chronicle," an online newspaper affiliated with the "Los Angeles Chronicle" and "World Sentinel" publications, hormonal changes can lead to indigestion during the menopausal years. Try to combat these changes by eating a healthy diet to minimize bouts of indigestion.

Gas

• Hormonal shifts can cause your digestive system to slow down, which can in turn make you feel gassy and more flatulent than in your younger years.

Bloating

• Bloating is a common digestive complaint that affects menopausal women. Low levels of estrogen in relation to the amount of progesterone in your body may cause bloating.

Bowel Changes

• Your overall rate of digestion slows down when your estrogen levels drop, meaning that your colon will not be as efficient as it once was. As a result, some people may experience changes in bowel habits after they hit menopause.

Treatment

• If the digestive symptoms of menopause are difficult for you to live with, speak to your doctor about possible solutions. Over-the-counter antacids and other medications may relieve some of your symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy may be another avenue to explore.