Menopause and the Unseen Digestive Struggle

Menopause is often linked to hot flashes and mood swings, but a recent study highlights a less talked about issue: digestive problems. Nearly 600 women from the UK, aged 44 to 73, shared their experiences. A whopping 94% of them reported digestive issues. Even more surprising, 82% said these problems started or worsened during menopause. The most common issues were bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and acid reflux. Over half of the women dealt with these symptoms daily or weekly. What's more, these problems significantly affected their quality of life. Yet, only a third of them had a formal diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.The study also found that about half of the women sought professional help. However, more than half of those who did, found the support lacking. This shows a clear gap in the care and treatment available for menopause-related digestive issues. The study was presented at a meeting of The Menopause Society. Experts hope that by raising awareness, healthcare professionals will start asking the right questions. They want to validate women's experiences and provide better support and treatment options. It's important to note that findings from medical meetings are preliminary. They need to be published in a peer-reviewed journal for full validation. Still, this study sheds light on a crucial aspect of menopause that often goes unnoticed.