It is good to know I'm not the only one to suffer from the gas and bloating issues. I was also, wondering if anyone here has chronic conspitation? For me that would mean bowel movement only 2x a week usually induced by laxatives (recommended dose) or water edemas. I am currently trying a perscription Dicyclomine, to relax the bowels. I had been diagnosed with IBS and a spastic colon. This is a very bothersome symptom to me and does not seem to be relieved by diet changes such as increased fiber. Everytime I see the gastrologist, he always tells me 'fiber'. But there tends to be unbearable cramping and bloating and no relief. So I was wondering if anyone has a similar situation or a suggestion?

Just wanted to say that chronic constipation can be a symptom of celiac disease. Celiac disease is gluten intolerance and has many different symptoms. The classic ones are diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, etc., but constipation can also be a major symptom. I finally got diagnosed accurately after suffering for many years. Irritable bowel syndrome was the name my dr. put on my symptoms, but it was wrong. I would be happy to answer any emails from gals who think they may have this. It is probably the most underdiagnosed disease in America today. Physicians have been trained to believe that it is rare, but it is not. It is very commonly diagnosed in Europe, and many of us have roots there. It is a genetic disease. Diane Lake, struggling with menopausal symptoms but no longer struggling with gastrointestinal ones, thank heavens! dlake41@cox.net

I too have had gastro problems for as long as I can remember but it was never bothersome enough to see a specialist or even my internist. However, just in the past year or so with my full blown peri sysmptoms and having turned 50 recently, I am experiencing much more gas and bloating and major constipation. Unfortunately, I usually succumb to laxatives to help me through. My doc says this comes w/getting older. Well, it might but I'm looking for solutions. I just recently added high fiber to my diet which may be contributing to the gassy feeling. Hearing how to combact these symptoms would be great. And hopefully this too will pass, no pun intended:o EJ

I HATE the gastro stuff that goes along with peri. I can remember having an iron stomach once upon a time - I could eat EVERYTHING! Seems like now everything and anything I eat bothers me, in one way or another. I too suffer from constipation. I watched an ad on the television the other day about 'IBS w/Constipation'. I have to wonder if that just recently was discovered because us brave women NOW talk so openly about peri-menopause!! I think we have opened this topic up so now the medical world actually might BELIEVE half of what we say??? I have a hiatal hernia that drives me batty, suffer from gassy/bloaty feelings, off again on again crampiness, nausea, and blah, blah blah. Makes you wonder WHEN this will all end!! I think I'm going to start taking some kind of fiber supplement and hope that maybe that will assist in my woes. Right now I'm taking an antibiotic for a bronchial infection and it actually seems NICE having loose stools for a change! lol....some people out there would think I'm nutso for sure! Huggers!!!!!!!! Kleeo:P

Has anyone tried acidiphilus (sp?) for gas? Being gassy is no fun:P I find though that it comes in fits and starts. I'll be fine for a few months and then I'll be hit w/gas (usually at night). If anyone has the answer, I would love to hear about it. 'Night EJ

I have considered Celiac problems, but never have been diagnosed. Do you know of any Dr's in the LA area? I just moved out here from the east coast, so I really don't know anyone. I really hope I can find an answer, it's very uncomportable and I found laxatives to be very painful from the cramping. thanks for your replies

I also suffer from the same thing.....but it started because I am now taking Vitamin E and a Stress Formula Vitamin and a Multiy Vitamin. I eat a Bran muffin daily try to consume lots of fruits & vegetables......and yes it makes me gassy too but it beats being constipated I think!!