I'm wondering the same thing. I get into sooo much pain and tired of eating foods from the whole store and Amish meat, i.e. chicken. My diet is very limited and wouldn't mind ideas. On top of it I am hypoglycemic so that doesn't help. I asked my gastroenterologist and he said, "I don't know anything about hormones."

Kristee,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; Maybe your gastroenterologist should learn about<br>hormones. &nbsp;Hormones can screw up the <br>neurotransmitters in the gut. &nbsp;At least my <br>gastroenterologist isn't clueless.

Was wondering if anyone knows if acidophilus milk works as well and the tablets.

Sorry - works as well as the tablets.  Should of checked for spelling errors before I posted.

Pat:  I've never heard of acidophillus milk.  I do use organic yogurt.  My digestion feels so good when I eat this regularly.  Then I run out!  You need high quality acidophillus.  All supplements do not contain active cultures.

Hi Susey...  There is milk that is supplemented with acidophilus located in the dairy case of the store.... check it out.  :)

Hi - I had the diarrhea and weight loss as part of my "initiation" into perimenopause.  I was very, very sick for 2 years and couldn't get any help with it.  I had had IBS earlier in life, but this was worse.  Through a friend who has Crohn's disease, I found out about the "specific carbohydrate diet", developed by a Canadian researcher whose child had Crohn's.  The diet is for any intestinal problems - constipation, diarrhea, IBS, etc.  Basically, there are some carbs the intestines can handle when they're stressed (as in meno), and some they can't.  The research is very sound and the diet has made a BIG difference.  You don't have to stay on it forever, either.  There's a book by the researcher called  "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" by Elaine Gotschall - but you can get the list of foods and some recipes on the (non-profit) website.

have flu like symptoms for 10 days and started loosing alot of weight these last couple of months...51 in peri and have bad anixety ... dont have any appitite at all, woke this morning with diherria and sick to my stomach..my legs are aching and i feel just horrible. I dont think the flu would last this long...UGH.. any help out there???? thanks  eeyore5120@aol.com

Hi Moe,

I've been having the same problem the last two weeks.  Have had the flu and very achy all over and also have bronchitis.  Have you gone to the doctors.  I took ssome zithromax for the symptoms and it seemed to help but need to go back for a second round.  Had this same problem last year and after two rounds of zithromax it seemd to start going away.  Good luck.................  Vickie

hey Vicki... i just got back from the hopsital... couldnt take the dry heaves any longer... they gave me 2 bags of iv. and some med to help with the nausea. feel ok... but not 100% they cheked my blood and urine and all was normal... but the dr. said everyone has this gastro thing.. hope you are better .....thanks for the mail

Hi Everyone,I was wondering if anyone can answer this question for me. Is the budda belly that women get during menopause caused by uterine swelling, just abdominal or digestion problems, or fat ? I've always had a flat tummy until I started perimenopause and ever since then I've had a swollen abdomen. Suzie

Suzie:  I think it can be any of those!  I know I have more of deposit of fat on the abdomen and it's harder to fight it.  I also get digestive bloating once in awhile, if I'm not eating right.  I know when I had my uterine fibroid, I definitely had a swollen abdomen.  So, as I said, any of the above.  (and as you refer to it as the buddha belly, perhaps we are becoming more enlightened!  Sure hope so!)

Ha ha! I hope so SuseyQ ! It's frustrating though to feel like being in otherwise good shape except for the big Budda Belly ! I feel like all of a sudden I'm telling the world " look here I am a middle aged lady now!" Grrrrr...Suzie

I am so glad to find out I am not the only one with this weight loss problem!  I really thought I was the only menopausal woman in the world that was not trying to lose weight.  I am 5 ft 6 and now weigh only 106 pounds.  I have lost 14 pounds in the last 6 months and this was while I was trying to gain weight!  I have had various digestive stuff going on over the last year.  I started an executive MBA program last August and after 3 weeks of INTENSE stress (which I thought I was handling well - I felt quite exhilarated) I suddenly started throwing up and within 18 hours was dehydrated and in the emergency room and spent 5 days in the hospital.  LOTS of tests (including colonoscopy, upper GI, ultrasounds, etc, etc) discovered no certain cause (but eliminated the scariest possibilities.) This is exactly when my meno symptoms started (memory problems, mood swings, anxiety, no real hot flashes, but weird adrenaline surge type "spells" that happen mostly as I fall asleep) so I really think this was hormone related.  In January I lost my appetite completely (though I wasn't actually sick) and lived on Sprite and an occasional banana for a couple of weeks and then had my gall bladder removed (since I knew I had gall stones that could be causing the problem and had been told by doctors that it needed to be taken out because some day it would start causing me problems).  I felt much better for a while after that, but still have little appetite and now am feeling worse again with constant mild abdominal pain which stresses me more than it seems it should.  Went to the gastroenterologist yesterday and she prescribed Librax for colon spasms (I have been on med to reduce my stomach acid since my hospital stay) and suggested that I try an antidepressant to bring back my appetite and told me to go to my primary care dr. for that and I have an appt. on Monday.  I FEEL like I need an antidepressant, so I am glad to give that a try.  I know that Librax has a tranquilizer in it as well as an anti-spasmodic so I am a little hesitant to take it.  I do want to be happier (so I like the anti-depressant idea), but I don't want to be sedated!  Anyone out there have any experience with Librax or any of the rest of this?  Thanks for posting, ladies.  It is always comforting to know we are not the only ones going through something!Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Hi Bouldini,You sound exactly like me when I first started noticing peri meno symptoms!!! Everything except the gallbladder- I didn't have that one. I'll tell you it's been almost 4 years now since it all began for me and I am just now finally getting better. To tell you the truth NOTHING really helped that the dr.'s gave me ! I suffered for all those years taking first this and then that. They just don't seem to recognize that it's menopause that is causing all the problems. Of course you have to rule out anything serious. I"m not saying that. But once that's done just try to relax as much as possible. ( I know that's hard, believe me!). It will pass. It may take a few years and looking back my advice would be try to accept it for now and keep telling yourself that it's hormone fluctuations that are causing all the wierd feelings, spasms, and discomfort. The adrenaline one is scarey at first, but once you know that's only what it is- just try to let it flow through and try to focus on something else.  Sugar and caffeine make all the symptoms worse. Try to eat enough protein.  It will stabalize your blood sugar . I started taking black cohosh once the hot flashes started and now wonder if that may have helped me with some ot the adrenaline, anxiety and other symptoms if I had taken it earllier. You might give that a try. Make sure to get the standardized black cohosh. I take 50 mg. twice a day. It takes a few months to start working so be patient. Dearest has that listed on the Recommendations page as well as some other things that have helped some people.

Suzie

Thanks so much, Suzie!  I will get some standardized black cohosh and give that a try.  I am very glad that you are getting better now!  Hope you have a great weekend - Cheri

Hi everyone am really worried about symptoms I have the last few months. Every morning when I wake I feel really blown up in the chest and a bit breathless, after a while I do a lot of belching and at the same time fluid comes up its just like spit, not coloured. While I have all this I get quite breathless, some mornings are worse than others.  I have mega stress is my life and have all the usual things of anxiety and panic attacks, although the attacks are much less these days. Doctor says it is anxiety dyspepsia and reflux although I told her that the spit doesn't burn at all its not heartburn. She says nothing to worry about just need to de-stress, does anyone else get this, I also get bloating after every meal and so fed up with it all, spend most days having a good cry.any help would be appreciated girls luv Jenniffert

Bouldini,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; I take Librax sporadically for stomach cramps.<br>I've been taking antidepressants since the dawn<br>of Prozac. &nbsp;I first took them because I would get<br>depressed premenstrually. &nbsp;Antidepressants have<br>pooped out after all these years. &nbsp;If you aren't <br>actually depressed, the Librax, as needed,may<br>be preferable. &nbsp;Antidepressants cause there own<br>host of problems. &nbsp;I'm pretty thin, as well, and I joke<br>that I'm on the anxiety diet. &nbsp;Good luck!! &nbsp;Tummy<br>trouble is miserable!!

&nbsp; &nbsp; Yesterday I was doubled over with stomach<br>cramps, of the intense gas pain variety. &nbsp;Low <br>and behold, Aunt Flo showed today. &nbsp;Fennel<br>is a natural supplement I've found useful.<p>Bouldini,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It sounds like you have Irritable Bowel. &nbsp;Low<br>dose tricyclic antidepressants was an option<br>offered by my gastroenterologist. &nbsp;Since my<br>cramps seemed cyclical, I went with the Librax.<br>I also have mild Ulcerative Colitis, but the Irritable<br>Bowel, though less dangerous, has been much<br>more PAINFUL!!!!!

Jen-<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;Sorry, I missed your post. &nbsp;I get &nbsp;terrible stomach<br>cramps and gas. &nbsp;Try eating very slowly,and also<br>eating smaller meals. &nbsp;I know when my stomach is<br>acting up a large meal makes me miserable. <br>A good cry, I can relate.

Chriscarolthanks so much for your support, I used to get terrible bloating in the stomach and lower down, but since reducing my HRT from Femostom 2/10 down to Femoston 1/10 7 months ago now, it hasn't been so bad. All this wind I get is at the top end, someone else said they get this heaviness on the chest only relieved by belching but I can;t remember where I saw it now. Mine is definately made worse by red meats, pastry, cake or biscuits so I avoid these, doctor says anxiety causes the lot so I try not to get too anxious but thats difficult when you are in an unhappy marriage. luv Jenniffer

Recently, I searched this section to find info and a possible remedy for my severe digestive/IBS symptoms.  I read a post from Madge dated 6/16/02, in which she described her great success with a lactobacillus product called Culturelle, an extensively researched and patented probiotic.  I started taking Culturelle a month ago and experienced tremendous improvement within a few days.  The constipation, cramps and the immediate sense of fullness I felt after eating only a small amount have been eliminated and the bloating and gas have also been greatly reduced.  These digestive improvements have enabled me to gain weight, which is something that  concerned me since I have long been  underweight.  The other things I tried, including acidophilus capsules, were relatively ineffectual compared to Culturelle, which has been extensively studied for safety and effectiveness.  This product has greatly improved my life and I would like to thank Madge for mentioning it, if she still reads these posts.  Hopefully, it will help others, too.  Thanks to Dearest, as well, for providing us with this wonderful forum.

Krista  

(Edited by Krista at 6:27 am on June 16, 2003)

Happy fourth of July...thanks to everyone for their posts.  I have been having a lot of gastrointestinal trouble for the last several months.  I have always been prone to heartburn and upset stomach before my periods.  Now that I am in the perimenopause stage at age 45, I am having these symptoms much worse--and am comforted to read that others are in the same boat.  One thing that is very hard for me is to wear a bra these days.  The upper abdomen area can be so tender!  And, yes, I have the buddha belly (now I know what it is called!)  I feel that I am slowly losing weight (intentionally) because I understand that can help relieve some of the heart burn and other GI problems--but the belly and breast area is so fat and swollen all the time and, like I said, I am to the point now that I only wear my bra when I absolutely have to.  Has anyone else come up with a solution to the bra problem?  Thanks...

Hi Fairlady, I'm sorry to hear that you're having so much digestive trouble.  I am also 45 and began having severe digestive symptoms a year and a half ago, at the age of 44. While I have had some nausea, my main problems have been excessive bloating, fullness, constipation and general inability to digest anything well.  The Culturelle has helped tremendously with these symptoms, although I still become bloated, particularly during periods.  As for the bra problem, I simply go braless!  I usually wear shirts that are fairly substantial and don't reveal anything, but if I wear something more shear,  I don a bra.  At home, I never wear one.  I've not worn a bra for many years and find it much more comfortable that way.  I'm fairly small breasted, so I realize some women might not be comfortable with this, but it works well for me.  Other ideas might be to wear a larger size bra that is not so restricting or to wear nonrevealing tops that eliminate the need for a bra.  A bathing suit bra is another possibility.  I admittedly don't have much experience with bras, as I have worn only 1 bra for the past 16 years, so I might not have been of much help.  Good luck with finding an effective solution.

Hi Fairlady:

I use a hot water bottle or a warm bath to help relieve painful breasts, as well as going without a bra when I can.  Massage is also helpful. Perhaps exercise would help.  Have you tried any of these things?   I think that having tender breasts is related to "estrogen dominance".  I think eating soy products helped me with that situation.

About the digestive problems I would add that if anyone has anemia and bloating or symptoms of gastritis or ulcers  they might consider getting a breath test for Helicobacter Pylori.  H. Pylori can be treated with antibiotics.  

One of my first symptoms (of  perimenopause perhaps) was excessive gas.  (A nurse taught me that lying on the left side helps to relieve gas.)  My doctor did not take this symptom seriously at all.  I am a bit surprised by that lack of concern and wonder about it.  If my digestion is not working properly that would certainly make my overall health more fragile and cause perimenopause to be more difficult.  Wouldn't it?

I would like to know more about how menopause affects the digestion.  If anyone has any leads on books, articles, or personal experiences to recount I would be interested to know.  

My gastroenterologist said hormones interact<br>with the neurotransmitters in the gut. &nbsp;My<br>irritable bowel is always worse before my period.<br>I find the herb fennel helpful for gas pains.<p>I also have Ulcerative Colitis, which is thankfully<br>in remission the last few months. &nbsp;

I'm annoyed. &nbsp;I spent all day shopping for a<br>computer with my son, which he of course<br>wanted NOW. &nbsp;On my little excursion I<br>felt like my uterus was slamming into<br>my intestines. &nbsp;I have my period and I've<br>had it, period. &nbsp;I won't even get into the lovely<br>rectal spasms, I get at his time. &nbsp;I have<br>to see the gastroenterologist on Friday for my yearly.<br>This stomach crap has plagued me<br>premenstrually for years. SICK OF IT!!!!!<br>Well, I've got to cruise down to GNC, before<br>they close, to buy fennel. &nbsp;Works as well as<br>prescription anti-spasmodics.

Chris,

Sorry to hear about all the problems you're having.. these 2 things are deffinately NOT a good mix.  I always have more problems with my IBD when I am on my period too and it s*cks!  ( I am there now as well)  How'd the GI visit go?  I hope you got some answers and are feeling better today.....  I feel for ya and know how ugly it can get.  Hang in there kiddo

Jan,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; The doctor said to go back on the Colazal,<br>since it helps prevent colon cancer, which I'm<br>at higher risk of. &nbsp;He thinks it's the irritable<br>bowel causing the misery. I've had a particular<br>rough bout this month. &nbsp;My colitis is in remission.<br>It never stays that way however. &nbsp;The IBD is<br>mild thankfully. &nbsp;That's why I assume it's<br>IBS. I know you get the tummy trouble, too.<br>Stress makes everthing worse.

To all stomach sufferers,I just want to throw in here my solution in case it helps anyone.  For several years (peri) I had stomach aches and acid reflux.  I was tested at hospital for ulcers and hiatus hernia.  They kept telling me there was nothing wrong.  My acid reflux was so bad that I took perscription (Losec).  The reflux actually made me short of breath.  I imagined every terrible disease.......To make a very long story short, I learned through trial and error that I have developed (since peri) food sensitivies.  By omitting all dairy I cured the acid reflux within days.  By omitting wheat, oats I can go indefinately without a stomach ache.  I never go back to dairy as the years with acid reflux were so bad, but I sometimes let wheat creep back into my diet and it always catches up with me - it's cumulative.  I'll end up with a couple of weeks of stomach aches, bloating etc. I know this is not welcome news, but for anyone suffering it is worth a try.  I have (grudgingly) given up dairy and wheat for life.Mary

Chris,

Is that an anti spasmotic?  I hope you get some relief with this new med, and soon!.  A cancer preventing med is a plus too!  I know all to well how much these IBS/IBD issues can affect us. I am in remission as well too, per say, but always have flares at that time of the month, never fails, and anytime I am over stressed it can and many times DOES get the guts in an uproar...Llike you said, we never know when a full blown one is gonna happen again, sigh. Take care of YOU!

MaryP,

Do you have Celiac Sprue? Reading here, that you feel better when you avoid wheat made me wonder....  I went through a few years of being Lactose intolerant as well.  I LOOKED at anything with any type of dairy or by-procuct it was trouble.... I feel for ya!  I hope what you have given up helps you feel better...This takes it's toll on us as well....

This reminds me.... I need to make my colonoscopy apt soon, ick! SO not lookin forward to the prep.....

The Colazal is for UC. &nbsp;The doctor tell me it's the<br>IBD not the IBS causing the cramps and non-<br>stop gas. &nbsp;If you're in remission,do you think it's the<br>colitis. &nbsp;Mine seems to have a hormonal/ stress<br>element, as well. &nbsp;I have some Librax , but it's<br>not doing much. &nbsp;That's an anti-spasmodic.<br>Colazal is an anti-inflammatory, that doesn't<br>have systemic effects, and goes straight to<br>the colon. &nbsp;

Chris,

Who knows what's causing the severe cramping, as from what  have learned, and know, they both can.  I know people with all 3 of these (UC, CD and IBS) and it seems to me that more people have the gassiness and cramping with the CD or IBS than with UC.  Just tonight I had alot of cramping and D and I don't usually have alot of cramping.  I think If I were you and in alot of pain, I would ask doc if you can be taking both.  Chances are he'll say ok to that... Ya need something to calm the spasms down.  Good Luck and Keep me posted ok?

I know no one has posted here in forever, but I just wanted to ut in my two-cents:

After starting a low-carb diet, my bloating/gas was way diminished.  All those carbs, all that glucose, all that candida.   Reduce the carbs, reduce the "food" and the candida can't flourish.

What drives me nuts, as a fruit and vegetable<br>advocate and lover, is the healthier foods<br>seem to cause the most intestinal distress.<br>I took a lot of anti-inflammatories last week,<br>between my period and my chronic back and<br>neck pain. &nbsp;I noticed blood in my stool<br>yesteday. Time to up the Colazal. &nbsp;Now,<br>my gastroenterologist tells me not to use<br>Celebrex daily, as this can worsen colitis,<br>as well. &nbsp;They don't work on an as needed basis.<br>Also, the anti-inflammatories help my hand<br>and carpal tunnel arthritis. &nbsp;I do use fish oil,<br>as this is reputed to help Crohns Disease,<br>so I figure it's worth a shot for the Ulcerative<br>Colitis. &nbsp;I took a baby aspirin daily for<br>heart disease prevention, but it made my<br>bowel bowel. &nbsp;Inflammatory Bowel Disease<br>and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, great combination.<br>I've been blessed, with mild Ulcerative Colitis,<br>compared to many cases. &nbsp;JUst venting!!!

I didn't sleep well last night, meant bowel bleed,<br>not bowel bowel.

Hi everyone, I realize this thread is old, but I just read it. I've had GERD for several years. I think it was initially caused by being on HRT. It seems to come and go. Although lately, it's here all the time. I'm on aciphex (proton pump inhibitor), but even that's not working any more. I'm 53 and haven't had a period for 10 months (Yeah!!), but I think my own fluctuating hormones are wreaking havoc on my GI tract. I can't eat anything without feeling like my chest is filled with cement, and I get this constant fluttering feeling. I feel so full I can't breath, even when just eating a little. Unfortunately, about 2 months ago, I started getting irregular heartbeats after eating too!! So now I'm scared to death to eat anything.......but my appetite is just as big as ever! Gosh I hate all this garbage from "the change". I've slept either in a chair or on the couch for a year now. The docs never seem to think much about my symptoms. Anyhow....I'm going out tomorrow to buy some acidophilus and yogurt. I've taken it before, but wasn't consistent. This time I'm scared into trying everything anyone suggests! I'm so glad this place was here, to read about all the GI problems you all are having too. I'm sorry it's happening to you, but I'm comforted that maybe it will eventually go away.

Hi Cathyann, I too have all the symptoms you get, very bloated up in the chest area and bad belching, it's so horrible, I have to sleep with extra pillows to keep me propped up, it helps a bit. I used to be on HRT and these symptoms have arrived since I came off. I hate it, sometimes on a really bad night, I cough a lot and wheeze, and then when all the belches come up the wheezing goes. I don't take anything for it because I don't actually get much heartburn into the throat. Anyway just to let you know I feel for you and you are not alone. Luv jenniffer

Thanks Jeniffer! When you needed several pillows, is it because you have so much pressure in your chest? A year ago, it go so bad for me, that I felt like I couldn't breath. When I would lie down, it felt like all my blood would be in my chest and neck. I ended up sleeping in a chair for 7 months! I started back on my acid blocker, and was started on high blood pressure medicine, and it all got under control, and I could once again lie down with only a couple pillows. I don't have "heartburn", since I take acid-blocking medication, but "stuff" still comes up my esophogus. I think that's what makes me cough and wheeze. Have you ever had irregular heartbeats because of the reflux? I think when our estrogen gets low, every muscle in our body relaxes, which probably makes the reflux so bad. It's hard to believe that eating just a tiny bit of something can make you feel like you've gained 20 pounds!! I hope you feel better soon too!. Thanks again!

Does anybody have a sour stomach w/a sour taste? I wonder if it is GERD? And where did this come from???? I eat really well.........this is terrible..it makes my throat hurt and my tongue burns.......I know this is meno related but just thought I'd see if anybody else has this and how you deal w/it????

sulah- Yes, I get this too, and it's my most recent symptom. I don't think it's anything particular that I am eating as well, plus I have had this happen several hours after a meal (I mean like 8 or 9 hours!) so go figure. I think I'll do an internet search and see what I find out... I'll let you know...

PLEASE DO...I am anxious to hear what you find out

Hi, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas I would like to know your comments and experiences regarding digestive problems during perimenopause. I have been keeping track of my "perimeno" symptoms every day throughout the last 8 months. I see a real established pattern in my symptoms regarding digestive problems. I am wondering if anybody else is experiencing the following: About 2 to 3 days after my period I start having morning sickness, urinary and bowel frequency, headaches, dizziness, lower back pain, stomach and abdominal cramping, belching and acid reflux, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, just to list some of the most annoying symptoms. Of course, after several days of this I tend to get anxious and depressed as well. Unfortunately, this time around to top this off I ate some turkey meat which had been left out to long on Christmas Eve and ended up with extreme symptoms (maybe food poisoning?) as stated above and now it's 4 days later and I still get some waves of nausea and stomach cramping :mad:. Back to the beginning... Can "uncontrolled" estrogen flow after your period cause some of these terrible side effects? My best days are usually 8 to 10 days prior to my next period. I am looking forward to your replies. PS: I just turned 51 and my periods have also changed from somewhat heavy to very light in the same time frame. Thanks, Angela

Angie, I cannot relate to the problems in relation to your periods as I had a hyster. many years ago...but I do have those same symptoms. I have the palps, rapid pulse, reflux,sour stomach, anxiety,nervosuness,upper back ache, burning tongue and burning feet,insomnia...this all goes together..it all comes at me at the same time. What I've discovered and is very strange (but everything about his meno is strange) is that when my stress level goes up or if I am tired which is most of the time, all those symptoms appear. First I notice the rapid pulse will begin, then the upper back will start aching, then it snowballs. I take a beta blocker to keep the rapid pulse and palps just barely controlled but I've had to increase the dosage to keep the rapid pulse down and the reflux/sour stomach situation has improved. As long as I can keep the pulse down where it is not pounding in my chest, then I don't have the reflux problem?????? Go figure. What those two things have to do w/each other is beyond me but there is definetely a correlation between the 2 for me. I do sometimes take 1/2g of the Sucralfate for the reflux..that is a very low dose and I also sometimes take liquid Maalox..that also helps. For the nausea, I chew up some crystallized ginger. It always works. I've never used anything that works for nausea as well as the crystallized ginger does and it is a natural product that can be found at your better whole/health food stores. That is one thing that really works. Hope this helps....share your ideas w/me....I'm open......

Hi Sulah, Thanks for your reply. Yep, what is up with that? I wish I knew. The acid reflux usually brings on the heart palps for me. How long do your episodes last, several days? I was thinking about having a hyster, but what would I gain if I would still be plagued by the symptoms you have? I am really discouraged today, here I am home for 5 days over Christmas plus tomorrow and I have been sick and miserable for 4. I suppose the ratio could be 5 out of 5. Where do you get Sucralfate. I know I am going to get some of the crystallized ginger you mentioned for the nausea. You should hear my tummy right now making loud bubbling noises and growls. The most puzzling part is how my belching and acid reflux during the last 8 - 10 days of my cycle disappears and I have gas instead going out the other end. That's usually the time I feel mucho better. Acid reflux can cause also upper back pain from what I have read and heard. You may want to check out ibsgroup.org. They have a message board about all kinds of digestive disorders, very helpful and informative. Thanks again for your reply, Angela

I HAD to have the hyst. due to advanced hyperplasia but was able to keep my ovaries...so have gone into this meno sorta naturally. Yes, I am familiar w/IBS....I have that too but I keep it pretty much under control w/my diet. That is why I am so curious as to where this sour stomach/reflux came from. My diet is a good one. How long does it last?????? No set routine there...it has done really well for the last few days but today it is back.??????? More the sour stomach/sour taste business. Probably due to eating some things over xmas that I should not have.....who knows......I can eat white rice flavored w/chicken boullion or Cream-o-Rice ceral, and it will clear up........that is a good IBS solution for me. It used to be really bad for me but is much better now except this new thing:mad: And yes, the palps go w/it....don't know why and the upper back ache...heating pad helps that but will check out the IBS link you mentioned as this is new to me???????:mad: Thanks and let me know if you make any new discoveries...

P.S.....sorry forgot to tell you that Sucralfate is a prescript.....need to get it from your doc....usual dose is 3-4 g a day and I told you I take 1/2g a day...had to take another 1/2 today....my hubby has to use it due to high acidity..he had an ulcer...so I sneak some of his....

Sulah- I found a lot of info. Do a search on "GERD". Not one site that I found mentions this as a meno symptom, BUT WE KNOW BETTER;) As it turns out, it doesn't have a lot to do with when we eat, and in some cases WHAT we eat. Good Luck

I found some info at IBSgroup.org.....seems "women" who have IBS also have this...but some are meno too.....goes along w/anxiety and anxiety goes along w/meno.......what do these people know..the so-called experts??????.......also aching upper back goes hand-in-hand w/GERD too......and I have that too. And you are right.....eating has little to do w/it but some foods do aggravate it..like choc, alcohol, etc.......and I LOVE choc and enjoy a drink every now and then..but have to stay away from both:mad:

Checked out some of those sites about GERD.....eating and weight is not my problem......I've been losing weight and eating right..very healthy eating..gave up sodas yrs ago, and caffinated coffee, also have cut back on sugar intake, and all of a sudden this sour stomach stuff starts....very sour heartburn right in the throat area....YUK!!! It is always worse w/rapid pulse, chest hurts and so does upper back.......gotta be meno.....