Menopause is a natural transition that most women go through between the ages of 45-55 years old. During this time, women experience changes in hormone levels that can impact various aspects of health and wellbeing. IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, causes digestive symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. So yes, the hormone fluctuations of menopause may provoke or worsen IBS in some women. Let's look at the connection further:
How Menopause Happens
- As women age, their ovaries gradually produce less reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone
- Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate
- Postmenopause means menstruation has stopped for 1 year; hormone levels remain low
Estrogen & the Digestive System
- Estrogen receptors are located throughout the gastrointestinal system, having various effects:
- Decreases inflammation
- Stimulates muscle cells for contractions to move food effectively
- Enhances gut barrier function against bad bacteria/toxins
- When estrogen drops at menopause, digestive issues can ensue:
- Inflammation
- Slow motility and constipation
- Leaky gut allowing bacteria/toxins entry = immune activation
Progesterone & the Digestive System
- Progesterone also declines at menopause and impacts digestion:
- Relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including intestinal tract
- Deficiency can impair muscle contractions for moving food
- May contribute to bloating/slow motility
Other Menopause Factors Contributing to IBS
- Inflammation throughout the body from fat/weight accumulation
- High cortisol levels also affect bowel function
- Some women develop food sensitivities or new food allergies
- Intestinal cells become less resistant to injury
Signs that Menopause is Impacting your IBS
If you start experiencing new or worsening digestive issues around the time of perimenopause/menopause, it could be related to the
hormone shifts:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating sensations
- Changes in bowel function:
- More frequent diarrhea
- New onset constipation
- Generally feeling unwell after eating certain foods
Seeking Treatment
The good news is that multiple treatment options are available if your IBS worsens with menopause:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen/progesterone treatment may help relieve digestive issues
- Diet changes - Identifying any new food intolerances can help
- Stress management - Relaxation techniques, yoga, mindfulness, etc.
- IBS medications - Antispasmodics, low-dose antidepressants, others
If digestive troubles are ongoing and bothersome as you go through menopause, consult with your healthcare provider about specific options to get relief!
Having a better quality of life is possible.
At
Hormone Harmony Clinic, our physicians specialize in detecting and treating hormone imbalances for women transitioning into and through menopause.
We evaluate your unique situation through lab testing and tailor bioidentical hormone therapy plans to help manage symptoms like IBS.