I'm wondering if anyone else suffers from IBS symptoms that seem to be getting worse the further you get into peri? It seems I am having more and different symptoms the farther along I get in this journey. Right now if I eat fatty or rich foods I get a pain under my ribcage on the left side toward the middle of my stomach that usually goes away with a BM or passing gas (how embarrassing is that?). Isn't that where your intestine takes a turn?My tummy also feels like it's doing somersaults, not nausea actually, but like it's floating? I don't know how to describe it. Just wondering who else has these symptoms and what do you do for them? It sure is annoying. Thanks, Ladies.

Ajay: I've had IBS since I was a teenager, and it's definitely gotten worse in peri. The only way I've found to control the flare-ups is to exercise (this helps a huge amount) and watch what I eat. I splurged 2 nights ago and had a full rack of baby back ribs, with spicy barbeque sauce, and my stomach is leading a revolt against my body ever since. I have to go easy on coffee, alcohol, and stuff with a lot of fat in it. Even when I watch my diet, I never know when I'm going to be treated to a day of naseau. Fun, huh?

AJ, I have always had an ultra-sensitive gut, as a child, teen and adult. My teen years were a vomiting, diarrhea hell when I got my period each month. My savior was the pill, which I began at age 20 and continued until now at 52. Before peri, I only had symptoms if I was worried about something. Peri made my symptoms 100 times worse; a daily occurrence; with everything I ate. Daily HUGE bloat, terrible intestinal cramps, nausea, gas, unpredictable diarrhea. So you can see I had serious problems. I can't recommend more highly Ginger Aid Tea by Traditional Medicines (Whole Foods). Drink a cup before you eat, or after; or whenever you are having problems. Ginger soothes the intestinal tract and everything settles down! Don't just buy ginger tea, for the medicinal strength, you must purchase "Ginger Aid" tea.
You won't be sorry! It's the cheapest remedy you will find for a big problem--$4.20 for 16 bags.

If it can help relieve my serious problems, I believe it can help anyone!

T'Pow, (new username for URCYN)

Thanks, T'Pow.....my goodness you really have tummy troubles. Just no fun at all. Where would I find this tea? It's certainly worth a try.





Oh my! The meal sound wonderful, but so sorry you had to "pay" for it later on. That's the misery of all this. The things we once tolerated and enjoyed we have to steer clear from. Thanks for replying.

Ajay, get thee hence to ye olde Whole Foods store. If there isn't one in your town, or local health food store, you can get it on line from the Traditional Medicines website.

You won't be sorry. I couldn't believe that something as simple as tea could make it possible for me to eat again!

T'Pow (new username for URCYN)

Thanks!! We don't have a Whole Foods sote in our area, but I will check out the website .

Sorry Ajay, got the makers name wrong. It's Traditional Medicinals (not medicines). Here's the website:

http://www.tealand.com/


Take care,
T'Pow (new username for URCYN)

Not a problem...thanks ! I appreciate it!

T'Pow: Very cool user name! I think I know where you chose it from, but I'm going to ask anyways???

Thank you, Roundrobin!

T'Pow is the wise and powerful, female Vulcan leader from the original Star Trek series. I've always loved the name!

T'Pow (new username for URCYN)

I have had ibs since the age of 21, and it has definitely got worse with peri

Not sure if we can buy that Ginger Aid tea here in the UK, but I will look out for it!

I don't even know if I have actual IBS, but I can no longer digest food, any food, without taking supplemental enzymes. Seriously. I cannot digest food. I get extradordinary abdominal pain. With the enzymes, I do not have any problem. Since my enzymes contain pancreatic enzymes, I am assuming my pancreas no longer produces any or I would not have severe pain after eating.

Yes, I went to a gastoenterologist when this started more than 3 years ago. I had the colon tests. I explained to the doctor that I could eat anything I wanted as long as I took the enzymes (at the moment I use Enzymatic Therapy's MegaZyme). He had NO information, opinion, or advice on the problem. Of course.

I'd just advice anyone with tummy trouble, either stomach or colon, to try one of the many enzyme products out there, if the problem is associated with eating.

I have had IBS symptoms since peri..never before. I am not 9 years post...and they are still raging along with all the other symptoms.
Want to tell you that I also had a bad gallbladder and was blaming everything on IBS. Especially when you are having pain in the middle of your upper rib cage. I got my first attack after eating fatty food. Kept thinking IBS. Finally went to my DR..got an ultra sound taken and it was gallbladder. Had it removed (no big deal) but now have the runs alot.
This is a pain in the butt...but do not blame everything on IBS. If it continues with rich and fatty food...see your Doc.

I've had Ibs since I was 17. It got real bad in perimenopause. Since I've been post menopause its just about gone. There are a few things I dont eat like bananna, tomatoes, lettuce, milk ,cheese. If I eat meat and potatoes I have bad gas. It may seem like a lot, but I was at a point during perimenopause when I didn't go some where unless I knew where the bathroom was in the place. Lost a lot of weight. Cant take hormones either. Hope this helps. I know how bad this is.

I never had any stomach troubles of any sort. The day before or the day I got my periods I would have loose stools or diarrhea but it was quickly over. After my last period (which was 9-3-05) I began to have constant bouts of diarrhea. It didn't matter what I ate. Finally in October I had bloody diarrhea and that scared me. I went to the family doctor and he ran tests and referred me to a gastro specialist for a colonoscopy. In the meantime he suggested I take Metamucil 3 times a day to control the diarrhea. This did help but I remained terrified I had cancer or colitis or chron's which my brother has.

There was a problem with the first gastro doctor (right out of med school) and the prep kit she prescribed which was wrong for me. My husband had to call the rescue squad because I was in so much upper abdominal pain. I was referred to another gastro doctor and finally had a colonoscopy in January of 2006.

That showed that I have diverticulosis (nothing to be concerned with so far) and the bleeding had been due to hemmorhoids. He could not tell me what was causing the diarrhea as he saw nothing organically wrong with my colon.

I had asked both the family doctor and both gastro doctors if the diarrhea could be menopause related and all 3 looked at me like I was a blithering idiot and said they didn't know or it wasn't likely. Then I came to PS and saw many women describing the same problems with diarrhea and I realized I'd been right and the doctors just don't want to attribute much of anything other than hot flashes to menopause.

I still have diarrhea on a regular but not as constant basis and it still bothers me. The anxiety tends to make it worse...a viscious cycle. I am now on about Day 330 since my last period (fingers crossed) and hoping this problem will clear up when I am postmenopausal. Until then I cannot go anywhere or do anything unless I know a bathroom will be nearby and readily available.

I am so glad I found this place, only wish I'd read these posts earlier...before I booked myself in for a stack of doctor's appts and gastro tests this week!
I've always had food intolerances which would cause me to bloat etc and I've been on a limited diet for a few years, but I've never experienced anything like I'm getting at the moment. About a year ago I noticed I couldn't eat oats anymore, then 6 weeks ago had some psyllium husk for a few days (I used to be able to take this) and since then gastro burning, cramps, diarrhea bouts, soft stools, and a bit constipated on the days in between! Some foods that I could eat 6 weeks ago hurt now, and my tummy's bouncing around after I eat.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Naomi

I am struggling here with ongoing symptoms (over 3 weeks now) that I am surmising must be hormonally induced/related IBS. I've had colonsocopy, barium enema, endocopy, gallbladder, etc all within the last 2 years and all were "fine" ... thankfully. Then, 3 weeks ago OUT OF THE BLUE, I have the most horrific stomach bloating and gas ... ever! And constipation as well. I took some Yogi "get regular tea" and it helped greatly with the constipation ... and the bloating and gas have greatly diminshed as well. But, the discomfort I feel - ache/pain, etc. - across my stomach (and even into my pelvic region at times) and especially under my left and right rib areas - oh my gosh! It isn't there 100% of the time, but it's more often than not.

I'm also VERY VERY nauseous as well- a lot of the time. The constipation is an issue too. NONE of these things have ever hit me like this or stayed for this long. My stomach feels like I've had the flu - kinda raw/sore feeling and yet, I also feel very "full" a lot of the time (constipation?). I take probiotics twice a day, flax seed, digestive enzymes, etc and they've always worked just fine until three weeks ago -- yet, now, I have these syptoms and they're persisting. I am sooo tired and so frustrated!

Has anyone had anything like this - esp anyone that it's come up during perim? I'm doing my rational best to say it's gotta be hormonally related .... since so many other things that I've gotten "for the first time" have turned out to be so. But, I sure could use some help here! The idea of going back for any more tests is just about as unbearable as the discomfort and worry.

It's hard for me not to worry and I just want to feel better! Any thoughts or recommendations of what has helped you? Thanks much, kathleent

Hi Kathleent,
Its great you are on the probiotics etc but have you also tried yogurt especially Activia its seems to be very helpful?
Also when I get this I watch the gassy foods like broc. etc.
I dont do well with diary products so I started taking lactose free milk and that helps too.
Also I put a water bottle or heating pad on the painful area.
Hope you get better, Tinks

Hi All-

I never really had any gastrointestinal problems until this year, since the end of September. I am 48 and in peri.

All of a sudden I have had bad intestinal cramping, bloating, gas, food sensitivity, and constipation. This is really new for me and seems to come and go.

It left in October and came back in November. Constipation is a problem. ( I have not really had this problem before). I am going to setup up a gastro appointment. Cancelled one in October when this went away but now I have to go and get checked out.

I am nervous about this but I am also tired of constant gas, bloating, burping and constipation.

I have upped my water intake and am trying to eat more ruffage.

This stinks

Sandy

Ladies - it certainly sounds like we all have IBS - I hadn't had a flare-up for 4 yrs then presto - mine started in Aug, & it's still raging. Tried Zelnorm, then Librax - neither helped. Apparently if you've been dx'd with IBS sometime in your life (mine mid 20's), there's 100% of an episode during peri - Here's a great article (rather medical, but informative) even mentions how IBS worsens during our transition.
http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic1190.htm
Mine is so bad it debilitates me, causes lots of anxiety - looking into Lexapro since it's used to treat IBS C (constipation) as well as perimenopause. I just want the aching left side to stop...

Tay and all,

I too have IBS and boy did it flare at the beginning of my peri journey (two years ago next month). I am on Lexapro and have had great success with it for anxiety and IBS. I too am constipation predominant. I have taken it for about nine months now and have seen a significant decrease in the IBS symptoms and I seem more stable as far as my anxiety goes. Good luck and I would suggest definitely trying the Lexapro.

Teejay

I found a really interesting article about IBS & Menopause that I thought I'd share with the board...

How does menopause affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome? ~

The research on IBS and menopause is fortunately both more clear and more clearly optimistic. Studies have shown that the drop in hormones after menopause results in reduced severity of IBS symptoms; after menopause, the severity of IBS symptoms in women and men is identical. Women in postmenopausal age groups have significantly less severity overall for IBS abdominal pain, bloating, and have higher quality of life scores compared to younger women with IBS. The theory that the drop in hormones from menopause directly correlates with improved IBS symptoms is further supported by studies finding that hormone replacement therapy in menopause is associated with an increased risk of IBS flares.

So, while hormones and gender do play a significant role in IBS (possibly the development of the disorder as well as the severity and frequency of symptoms), it's not all bad news because menopause is clearly linked to significant improvements in IBS across the board, and all hormonal fluctuations that affect IBS for the worse are typically temporary, with no serious or permanent health consequences to be concerned about.

--------------------------------------------

I sure hope these doctors know what they're talking about because I'd give anything if it just went away and NEVER come back...(sigh)

Hey all, glad I logged on here tonight! I had IBS for 7 long years in my 20's and early 30's. It stopped until this year. I'm 49 and in peri, periods irregular. The gut pain comes and goes and can be as bad as I've ever had, but the constipation is becoming constant and really bothersome. Never had it before. I'm drinking lots and eating a high-fiber diet + several tablespoons of flax seed, but even with stool softeners, the stools are so hard it feels like I'm passing a load of gravel! Sorry to be so graphic....I'm just looking for any suggestions. My sister went through this as well and said the constipation lasted for 5 years. She suggested magnesium, which I'm gradually trying because in the past it's made my reflux worse (another gift of peri). In the beginning of peri I had diarrhea for 2 years. I'll be some pleased when this all evens out!!

Hey Didi!

I know what you mean about constipation...TeeJay, Bich & I have all been down the same path as you and know what you're going through. Here's a suggestion you may not have tried yet... a friend of mine also has IBS and suggested I try something called Citrucel Fiber Shakes - it's available out at Wal - Mart & comes in 2 flavors, chocolate (which is great) and something called orange smoothie. You can mix it in either milk or water - I used the milk for a while but found it increased the gas.

You might not know that IBS people need, at the very least, 20 to 25 grams of fiber everyday, and each shake 'scoop' has almost 11 grams of it. I use it twice a day along with 500 mg of mag. & have found it to work well. (it just isn't a quick fix...ok?) However, I did find it help's relieve some of the constipation and since the fiber tastes wonderful, I don't mind using it at all.

Also, be careful on the veggies as they are prone to cause a lot more gas, in fact, if you need the IBS diet, gimme a holler and I'll post it for you. Didi, I know how difficult IBS is to live with. Mine's been raging since august and I have no idea when it will calm down. Guess when the hormones do? Who knows...but I sure can commiserate!

Didi,

Don't give up on the magnesium if possible. Along with the high fiber diet and/or supplement mentioned by Tay I found that when I started taking magnesium it really helped my constipation. I also still drink decaf coffee since I am constipation predominant (1 big cup in the morning) and eat bran cereal (when I can handle it...sometimes bran cereal makes the IBS flare and I know may docs will suggest that you avoid bran cereals and stick more to rice..they also say you shouldn't drink any coffee). All of these things help keep me moving for the most part. My IBS was mild and very controllable prior to peri...once peri hit I was miserable and found it difficult. The beginning of peri made my IBS much much worse. Now two years later (still in peri) things are much better. Hope this helps...good luck and hang in there you are not alone!

TeeJay

Hey Tay and Teejay,
Thanks so much for your hard-won experience. Since I posted last, I've upped the magnesium in divided doses so it doesn't set off the reflux too much, and it seems to have finally tipped the scales in my favor. Two good days in a row - hallelujah! I'm not sure I could've taken in another gram of fiber...but if I have to in the future, it's good to know it comes in chocolate!! I've had other symptoms come and go during peri (which seems to have lasted about half my adult life now), but the constipation has been the hardest to live with. It was so nice to log on and see that once again, I'm not alone. Thank you both for posting.

This site is such a godsend...I've found understanding and practical help for every one of my "weird" symptoms that no MD's identified as perimenopause.

Hey Teejay,

What's the coffee-constipation connection? Just curious.

Didi

Wow I have been going through a similiar situation. I am 48 years old, and I forgot all about there was a such thing as peri menopause, until now. I went to E.R. for fluttering in my left chest and indigestion was referred to cardiologist had echo it came out normal.
Since then the fluttering spread to my stomach and I feel the somersaults. No nausea No Pain just horrible discomfort, and a feeling like someone scared me. Its like I am nervouse but Ihave no reason to be nervous. I can hardly sleep at night. I am not nervous, It is really horrible feeling. I went to the G.P he gave me acidphlex and I have an appointment for a stomach ultra sound!

What struck me about your posting is the somersaults! This is how I feel. I think after all of this is over, I need to talk to a GYN. My current docotr is a male, but I think I need a midlife women gynecologist, I want to speak the same language with my Doctor while I am going through this. I hope the best for you.

Wow I have been going through a similiar situation. I am 48 years old, and I forgot all about there was a such thing as peri menopause, until now. I went to E.R. for fluttering in my left chest and indigestion was referred to cardiologist had echo it came out normal.
Since then the fluttering spread to my stomach and I feel the somersaults. No nausea No Pain just horrible discomfort, and a feeling like someone scared me. Its like I am nervouse but Ihave no reason to be nervous. I can hardly sleep at night. I am not nervous, It is really horrible feeling. I went to the G.P he gave me acidphlex and I have an appointment for a stomach ultra sound!

What struck me about your posting is the somersaults! This is how I feel. I think after all of this is over, I need to talk to a GYN. My current docotr is a male, but I think I need a midlife women gynecologist, I want to speak the same language with my Doctor while I am going through this. I hope the best for you.

Hey Menopeace! I think what you're feeling can be explained quite simply...Meno, In my opinion, during this 'changing time', shall we say, we become much more sensative to what our bodies are going through. Not sure whether that's fed by the hormones or the anxiety we feel, but I do know we probably all notice things we normally wouldn't in different circumstances.

The jittering tummy you feel, is probably very much like what is written under the thread internal shaking. (I think it's called that, look under the main header of anxiety). There's lots of posts and all pretty much describe feeling much like your. What you're feeling is a sensation caused by anxiety....and in all probability it will pass in time. Now mind you, this strange feeling comes and goes, as does most signs of peri. You can be light headed for a while, or have a racing heart...lots of things, but it all eventually goes away, though some do return off and on.

The more I think about it, I'm now beginning to think my IBS 4 years ago "heralded" the beginning of 'noticable' peri...I just didn't realize it, and now with this new flare-up, it's probably the end.

I know it will be hard not to stress over the little things (i.e. - the new aches and pains, the new emotions or strange thoughts or feelings). Sometimes we all think we'll lose our minds, but we don't, we get through it, primarily because of this board.

I know you mentioned seeing a female GYN - ummm...to that, most of us will say good luck. I sincerely hope you find one that is much better than those we've seen, because most of us have had less than satisfying results --- I will keep my fingers crossed for you "MP", it would be really nice to hear of a good experience for a change. Unfortunately, for most of us, we've found our doctors to be pretty dense where menopause is concerned -- So keep us posted - if you find a good mid-life GYN, we'd love to hear about her...

Menopeace, if no luck finding a good female GYN (I never did), look into finding a female naturopath. I saw probably a 6-8 specialists when peri started for me 9 years ago and I was suddenly loaded with alarming symptoms (but was told I was too young for it to be hormones), and none of them were any help - all did tests and said they looked either fine, or a little bit out of whack, nothing to worry about, sorry I wasn't feeling well but try to relax dear, that kind of thing. Then I had a physical with a wonderful female naturopath who was able to diagnose and treat my symptoms so that I finally got some relief as well as understanding, all of it much less expensive than the dang specialists.

Cruising these boards over the years, I've found every one of the symptoms I had that stumped the MDs. It's the only place I've heard about the strobe-like nerve impluses I seemed to be having for a while and was sure were MS. Your somersaulting stomach sounds like the same phenomenon. Now I look here first, then check with my MD if need be. Good luck to you!

I've never "felt" that I have had a real bad case of IBS, a few years ago, I would eat a meal and then a few hours later the "cramping" would start, felt like child birth pains, that would come and go for hours!!!! It was awful, because once it started, nothing would help it.

Somehow that awful curse left me, and I was feeling rather good up until this past few months. Now the latest thing to curse me.....I eat a meal and usually by early evening, I get a pain located in my stomach area, dead center. It's an ache, just hurts and hurts, also can cause nausea. This has gone off and on for a few months, is this like IBS???

I'm not sure if this could be an ulcer, but it seem's to go hand in hand with my cycle lately, the week or so before my period, I get this pain all the time. Anyone else have this???

I've resorted to eating a very bland diet, and small amounts just to try and let my poor stomach rest up.

Any solutions???

Thanks, Juliann

Hi Juliann!

I bought a book about IBS for my daughter who suffered badly (pre pregnancy!)

It recommended that you kept a food diary, and started with a bland diet, then reintroducing different foods, bit by bit.

However, if you think you may have an ulcer, I would visit the doctor.

My diet went up in the air in perimeno. Things would send me into stomach spasms and instant diarrhea. I read in my newspaper yesterday that estrogen causes problems with the bowels.

For IBS symptoms, try a Caltrate +D w/ each meal. It was the only thing that worked when mine was so bad. My IBS came as a result of my gall bladder being taken out. BTW - do not dismiss rt. sided pain under the rib cage that radiates to your back and left side (along w/ flu-like symptoms). It is a symptom of a gall bladder on its way out. I had these symptoms off and on for over 8 months and since at first they came 2-3 months apart, I thought they were "quick" gastro-flu's. Then they started coming every week and I knew it wasn't a flu. I ended up in ER with a gall bladder that was ready to perforate. My liver and pancreas were also inflamed and infected by this time. And those of you who have had g.b. out - a small amount of patients develop IBS afterward. Since there is no g.b. to absorb the fat in our foods, it just all runs through in the form of D. Many embaressing episodes I could tell you about, but won't

Can any one tell me the symptoms? I have had stomach pains, cramps,etc for the last month. It is about 3 " below my sternum. I have pains here and there all over my belly area but it is concentrated there. I only eat veg broth, kashi cereal and broccoli. Everyhting else makes it hurt more.

Any ideas??