Perimenopause video transcript:
Can perimenopause cause digestive issues? Yes, it can. Many women notice that PMS gut symptoms worsen in perimenopause. The metabolism can slow down and become prone to constipation and bloating before the period because that's when progesterone levels and oestrogen levels are at their lowest.
Now, some people also find that their digestive symptoms worsen during the perimenopause period as well. You can get pain, extra bloating, loosening of the bowel and increased urgency, which can be very stressful.
Now, there are a couple of things that might be going on. One, the symptoms are there already and they're just being amplified by the changing hormones or the dip in hormones.
Two, hormonal changes are affecting the balance of gut bacteria. So, lower oestrogen levels mean less stimulation of those little receptors in the gut wall. And that can be slowing transit time and cause bloating. So, either way, helping to create a really good gut environment that's going to nourish those really friendly bacteria, it's a really good strategy.
So, more fibre. Most of us aren't getting the recommended 30 grams a day. So, more fruit and veg, choose brown bread and brown rice rather than white. Nuts and seeds, well-cooked beans, probiotic yoghurts and Molkosan Fruit Digestion are all nice additions to help support digestion during perimenopause.
For more information and advice head over to Eileen and Ali's blog ' Why does digestion get worse in perimenopause and menopause?' where they chat about why digestion can worsen during menopause, the digestive symptoms that can arise, and what you can do to help yourself.
You may also find these topics helpful:
What are the 3 worst digestive symptoms of menopause?
3 surprising digestive troubles during menopause
5 signs your digestion is struggling during menopause
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