Menopause and constipation: why is this digestive disorder common?

Menopause is a hormonal upheaval that occurs in women, generally around the age of 50. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, emotional disturbances, or even transit and digestion problems.

Constipation during menopause is common because it's linked to hormonal fluctuations that can slow down bowel movements. It can lead to other issues like bloating and stomach aches.

Discover our natural solutions and tips to improve transit during menopause and curb constipation and digestive problems.

What is the impact of menopause on intestinal transit?

At the digestive level, constipation is the most common problem during menopause. Constipation occurs when the patient has difficulty having a bowel movement (less than three times a week) and the dysfunction lasts for several weeks.

It has been proven that bowel movements change during menopause. This phenomenon is caused by hormonal changes. During this period, female hormone levels decrease, and this has a direct impact on the digestive system:

• Lack of progesterone slows down the functioning of the colon, which means that stools become dry and therefore more difficult to evacuate.

• The drop in estrogen increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This leads to a decrease in the production of intestinal acids, which leads to digestive problems.

Some of the most common symptoms of constipation in postmenopausal women include:

• Difficult and partial evacuation of stools;

• A bloated and sometimes painful stomach;

• Dry, hard stools;

• Irregular bowel movements.

Does menopause affect the intestines?

Menopause and hormonal changes sometimes cause digestive issues such as constipation, a bloated stomach, or slow bowel movements. However, it's important to differentiate between temporary symptoms and chronic problems.

Indeed, if symptoms persist and become increasingly painful, it may be irritable bowel syndrome. This digestive system disorder causes stomach aches, spasms, heartburn, bloating, or even diarrhea or constipation.

There may be a link between menopause and irritable bowel syndrome, which is why it is important to see a doctor if symptoms persist.

Why is constipation common in perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a period of transition that occurs before the onset of menopause. It is often accompanied by various symptoms such as irregular cycles, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and hot flashes. All of these feelings are caused by hormonal fluctuations that disrupt the body's balance and significantly impact physical and mental well-being.

Several symptoms can be felt, at different levels: thermal, emotional, sleep, skin, nervous system, intimate, or even metabolic symptoms.

The digestive system is impacted, and perimenopause can cause bloating and weight gain that vary from woman to woman. These changes are linked to the decline in estrogen levels, which affects the distribution of fat in the body. Bloating and digestive discomfort can also be caused by constipation, which is very common during this time. This symptom is exacerbated by chronic stress, and by the alteration of digestive tissue and overall intestinal health that can occur.

The slowing of transit can therefore last several years, from perimenopause until the end of menopause, the time it takes for the drops in hormones to regulate and for the metabolism to return to normal functioning.

What causes constipation in perimenopause?

Constipation in perimenopause can be explained by several causes:

• Hormonal fluctuations: particularly the drop in progesterone and estrogen (female hormones), which play a role in metabolism and digestive system function. When they decrease, they slow down bowel movements and can cause problems such as bloating, gas, or constipation.

• Poor eating habits can also slow down transit. To avoid digestive problems, it's advisable to avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and excess salt. The best way to stimulate the digestive system is to eat foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of water.

• Lifestyle is also linked to overall metabolism and the digestive system. Maintaining regular physical activity is essential to activate transit and promote natural bowel movements.

Does premenopause cause constipation?

Constipation can be caused by several factors: poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical activity, insufficient water intake or even stress, for example.

The link between premenopause and intestinal problems exists, and is explained by hormonal fluctuations, and more specifically the drop in female hormones that maintain a normal metabolism.

It is a common symptom, often accompanied by other more or less developed digestive disorders.

How to naturally relieve constipation during menopause?

Constipation during menopause can be an unpleasant condition, causing discomfort that can sometimes be difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are practical and natural solutions to improve bowel movements and promote bowel movements. These tips can help reduce bloating and intestinal pain associated with constipation.

There are several methods to naturally limit constipation:

• Adapt your diet: eat fiber, maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of water, eat at regular times, eat fruits that promote digestion such as melons, kiwi or bananas.

• Consider pelvic floor rehabilitation: Your doctor may prescribe physiotherapy sessions for pelvic floor rehabilitation, as it naturally relaxes over time and loses tone. Rehabilitation can help combat certain discomforts such as constipation, prolapsed organs, urinary leaks, and back pain.

• Practice self-massage of the stomach: massage by exerting light pressure in a circular motion, in a clockwise direction to activate the digestive system and improve transit.

• Adopt good toilet practices: do not hold it in, go to the bathroom as soon as the need arises.

• Take a course of appropriate food supplements, which help reduce constipation during menopause.

What supplements are good for menopause-related constipation?

Dietary supplements are a good solution for improving bowel movements and reducing digestive issues during menopause. They are rich in essential nutrients to combat constipation and experience a more peaceful menopause.

At Equilibrist, there are specific treatments that combine vitamins, plants and minerals to better experience menopause and soothe symptoms.

Several nutrients help promote transit and improve digestive comfort:

• Fiber: Naturally present in fruits and vegetables, it helps regulate digestion and promotes satiety. It is also found in legumes, pasta, and brown rice.

• Probiotics: they act on the intestinal flora and strengthen the microbiota to promote overall well-being, improve the immune system and transit.

• Magnesium: This mineral is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It helps regulate hormone production, reduce stress, and reduce digestive issues such as abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating.

Equilibrist uses many plants for menopause , which help combat the different symptoms experienced.

For example :

• Black Cohosh which reduces hot flashes, sleep disturbances and irritability;

• Blackcurrant which acts effectively against joint pain;

• Bamboo which contributes to the strength of bones.

What female hormone causes constipation?

Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that play a role in many systems and metabolisms. When their levels drop during menopause, these systems slow down and can lead to other problems.

This is the case for the functioning of the digestive system. Estrogen and progesterone deficiency causes dysfunction in two mechanisms:

• The large intestine becomes slower, the intestinal tract contracts poorly and the progress of stool towards evacuation is slowed.

• Stools dry out: When they remain in the large intestine for too long, stools become dehumidified due to water reabsorption, making them more difficult to eliminate.

These mechanisms are naturally slowed down by hormonal upheavals which alter the functioning of the colon.

The link between menopause and constipation: should we be worried?

Don't worry about constipation during menopause. It's a common occurrence that affects many women, along with hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

However, if difficulty in having a bowel movement persists and is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or a hard stomach, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

He will be able to find solutions to improve intestinal transit during menopause.

Constipation and swollen belly during menopause: what's the link?

Constipation can cause other symptoms and discomforts, such as abdominal bloating or swelling. These symptoms are related to stool stagnation in the colon and may be accompanied by pain or cramps.

Other causes of a swollen belly during menopause include water retention, a slowing metabolism, and changes in fat distribution.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common problem during menopause. It can appear as early as the beginning of perimenopause and last until hormone fluctuations stabilize.

To reduce this phenomenon and improve transit naturally, there are simple solutions: drink enough water, eat foods rich in fiber, practice regular physical activity or reduce stress.

Dietary supplements for menopause allow you to experience this period more peacefully and reduce discomfort linked to hormonal changes: mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, digestive problems, etc.

Equilibrist supports women throughout all stages of their lives ( maternity , menstrual cycles , menopause , etc.) to improve their daily comfort.