31/07/2025
🌸💫 Menopause and IBS 💫🌸
Navigating menopause can feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially when it comes to our gut health. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can impact our gut's function. Estrogen influences gut motility and sensitivity. So, when levels dip, it can trigger changes in bowel habits, potentially leading to IBS symptoms. On top of that, the stress and anxiety that often tag along with menopausal transitions can intensify IBS symptoms. The gut-brain connection is real, and emotional upheavals during menopause can stir up IBS flare-ups.
But fear not! Here are some top tips:
🍽️ Mindful Eating: Keep an eye on your diet. While trigger foods vary, common culprits include spicy treats, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat meals. Tracking your meals in a diary can pinpoint problem foods and help you steer clear of them.
💊 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some women find relief from IBS symptoms with HRT. This therapy can help stabilise hormonal imbalances, potentially easing the severity of IBS symptoms.
🧘♀️ Stress-Busting Techniques: Stress is a big IBS trigger, so mastering stress management is key. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can soothe anxiety and promote gut health.
💊 Medication: Consult your healthcare provider about IBS-specific medications. From antispasmodics to laxatives, there are options to manage symptoms effectively.
🦠 Probiotics: These little helpers can rebalance your gut microbiome and ease IBS woes. Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right probiotic for you.
🤝 Seek Support: Connect with others facing similar challenges by joining a support group or speaking with a therapist specialising in digestive health and menopause.
