I know...not a pretty subject. After getting through being constipated, I have not gotten any relief yet. My doc has me adding fiber to my diet with Benefiber and I have been keeping a food diary to see if there is any correlation w/what I eat. Gas seems to have a mind of its own. I go to the bathroom but still have the sensation that I haven't emptied out (more often than not). My doctor doesn't seem too concerned about this. (I'm 50 and this has only happened to me starting this year. Is there a link between this type of gastro issue and perimeno? Do you have any solutions to ease the symptoms:mad: Eternally grateful, EJ

EJ, Benefiber never worked for me. The only thing that really worked is Metamucil, and I use the one without the grit that's orange-flavored. I use it at night before I go to bed and drink lots of fluid in the morning and it does the trick! Good luck! That's really uncomfortable, I know! Hugs, M.

Meryl Thanks for your response. My med.cab looks like a drugstore...with Metamucil; Citracel, etc. As far as water goes, I always drink alot of water so that is not a problem. Would you agree that this is being controlled to a certain extent by hormones? I have not had a colonoscopy yet and am pushing my doc to have it done. Bit odd that these symptoms all happened this year .

I never really equated it with hormones, but I'm sure we can blame that on it too! I've had this problem most of my life. Get your colonoscopy; it really was not a big deal. Just the prep that's uncomfortable. I'm sure there's nothing wrong. Things slow down as we age! Hugs, M.

There is a myriad of symptoms brought on by perimenopause/menop, I think.......try adding a magnesium supplement to your regime......you prob. will not need the metamucil....a good brand is "pure encapsulations"....usually sold in or by licesned nutritionists...but a great brand....it is a mineral that will help you....and also good for the nervous system......magnesium must be balance in a ratio w/ calcium, so make sure you are getting enough calcium, greens are the best source and then the dairy.....see powersurge's site for recomm. and tips on magnesium...good luck...I am sure this will benefit you.......I take it every day....thanks for sharing and thks for this site......

Ladies, I've read the last several posts regarding constipation...no one has mentioned taking a stool softener. My doc suggested taking one as needed...I tell you what, my gut feels much better. I'd tried Metamucil and other over the counter fiber concoctions.....taking the stool softener seems to help me (& eating my fiber and drinking water). Good Luck!

Sunny Yes, I've heard a magnesium and think I'll try it. RMG yes, I've taken stool softener but stopped when I started using Benefiber. I can't wait for this to be OVER Have a good night.

I also suffer from constipation......:mad: I have read that drinking a glass of water with epsom salt in it will do the trick within 1/2 to 6 hours.....i haven't tried that yet,have any of you?

Hi Jadebear I'll try that. If it's water only, I know that won't work because I most drink about 10 glasses during the day. I'll try the EPSOM salts. Of course that won't take away my worries that it's something worse than just that:o Have a pleasant evening, EJ

Can you consume epsom salts?? My mom used to soak my injuries in that. Have you tried a daily dose of Metamucil???

yes,you can consume epsom salts,it says on the label "soaking aid for sprains and bruises" and "for relief of occasional constipation"..........2-6 teaspoons daily in 8oz. glass of water.

Leanne, I use the orange powder Metamucil every day, and it's great. I have no problems any more.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm glad to know, since misery loves company, that I'm not alone in this. If this is a result of peri, can't wait to get to the other side of it. Seems like an eternity but I'll get through it faster knowing that I have you:D Have a good night! EJ

Re: epsom salts. Be careful if you suffer from high blood pressure. Hang in there!

Thankfully that's one thing I don't need to worry about...yet. My blood pressure is the only normal thing about me. I guess we should be thankful for small things! EJ

I bought some prune juice to try when i'm constipated......and it actually works.Since my body is so sensitive to "everything",I just have to drink 1/4 of a cup and it does the trick.

My sister drinks prune juice and swears by it. She just started to do this after his recent hystorectomy. She's always had problems with constipation. I used Peridium (not sure if I spelled it right). It's in a yellow cannister and just take 1/2 to 1 tsp with lots of water at night. It does the trick. Tina

EJ you are already doing some of the things that I would suggest (water, fiber). Here's some other ideas: regular exercise (light relaxed walking is fine, movement and being vertical are what helps); whole foods diet; good quality oils in or from nuts and seeds (consumed in the required amounts of course); and maintaining a regular schedule (as much as possible); and allowing an adequete amount of time and relaxation around the time that you would use the bathroom. I think constipation is on the list of peri/meno symptoms, isn't it?

Oh and probiotics like live cultured yogurts. Have you had to take a course of antibiotics lately, and if so, did your constipation troubles start then? Antibiotics wipe out the healthy bacteria which we need to have our elimination working properly.

Beth Thanks for some of your suggestions. I have to say that I'm doing it all (excercise and drinking water has always been included). I use Benefiber daily. I can't figure out which foods are possibly causing this and the plus side is that I'm now very careful about what I eat so I've managed to lose a few pounds. I just started taking magnesium so we'll see if that helps although yesterday and today I am fine (knock on wood). I have an appt with a Gastroenterologist next weeks for a consult which will be followed up by scheduling a colonoscopy. (Especially seeing Today Shows series this week on that!). We can all only hope that this will pass along w/all of the symptoms. Have a great day! EJ

Just a reminder - certain medications, like antidepressants, contribute to constipation.