Menopause and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Why Does This Digestive Disorder Intensify?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that can be triggered by several factors, such as stress, anxiety, poor diet, or hormonal changes. It is characterized by stomach pain, spasms, heartburn, and a slowing of the digestive system.

During menopause, it is not uncommon to experience digestive problems linked to the natural drop in female hormones that occurs during this period.

Discover our natural tips and advice for relieving menopause symptoms, including stomach aches and irritable bowel syndrome.

What is the impact of menopause on the digestive system?

Hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause significantly impact several systems and metabolisms in a woman's body. This is particularly true for digestion. Hormone drops affect intestinal transit, the microbiota, and digestive sensitivity, which can lead to certain problems: constipation, stomach aches, bloating, etc.

Does menopause affect the intestines?

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female hormones. They play important roles in a woman's metabolism and impact several systems such as reproduction, mood, digestion, and more.

Although they are sex hormones, they also act on the digestive system and are essential for initiating digestion. But at the time of menopause, their levels naturally drop. This has a direct impact on the digestive system and can have consequences: slowed colon function, transit problems, stomach aches, etc.

This is why many women experience symptoms such as constipation, bloating or a feeling of a swollen stomach during menopause .

How do hormones influence intestinal transit?

The drop in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause has negative repercussions on the gut and digestive system. This phenomenon impacts digestion by making it slower, and the intestine can become sensitive. These problems are linked to the intestinal mucosal barrier, which becomes more fragile. This can lead to other problems such as irritation of the intestinal wall, incomplete digestion of food, or even often painful inflammation.

Can menopause cause irritable bowel syndrome?

Digestive discomfort related to menopause is one of the common symptoms that women experience during this time. It is linked to drops in hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which cause dysfunction in the intestine, making it slower and more fragile. Digestion becomes difficult, and this can cause bloating, constipation, stomach aches, and more.

If these problems persist and become too painful and disabling, it may be a case of irritable bowel syndrome. This hypersensitivity affects approximately 5% of the population, and its origin is not systematically known. We do know that it can be aggravated by hormonal changes, during periods of stress and anxiety, or even following the consumption of certain foods.

If you have bowel sensitivity, symptoms may worsen during menopause. Therefore, if you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional who can help you find appropriate solutions.

Why do some women develop irritable bowel syndrome after age 50?

It is common to experience bowel problems after the age of 50. IBS can be triggered or aggravated by hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause, as well as stress and digestive sensitivity, which are factors that impact the quality of the intestines and the digestive system.

The functioning of the digestive system naturally evolves with age. However, warning signs such as blood in the stool, anemia, fatigue, and weight loss can signal a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Link between menopause and intestinal microbiota

The intestinal microbiota is a group of microorganisms that help activate digestion while protecting the walls of the stomach and intestines. It facilitates the assimilation of nutrients thanks to a set of enzymes, and ensures the fermentation of indigestible food residues.

During menopause, there may be changes in the gut microbiota. Indeed, it evolves throughout life and is impacted by hormonal imbalances.

Several notable effects are observed:

• Reduction of acid production

• Slowing down of intestinal transit

• Accumulation of toxins

• Overgrowth of unwanted bacteria

• Alteration of the intestinal barrier and limitation of nutrient absorption

When the microbiota is unbalanced, it also impacts stress and mood, factors that aggravate constipation and digestive discomfort. Mental well-being can therefore be affected, and this can cause or intensify other symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, irritability, fatigue, etc.

There is a clear link between premenopause and bowel problems. These problems can last for several years until hormone levels regulate.

Can you get intestinal inflammation during menopause?

Digestive disorders are common in premenopausal or menopausal women.

There are different symptoms:

• Constipation: difficulty in passing stools due to water loss and stagnation in the colon;

• Diarrhea: excessively rapid and liquid evacuation of stools linked to hypermeability (weakened intestinal mucosa) of the intestine;

• Bloating: accumulation of intestinal gas caused by various factors such as diet, stress, intestinal inflammation, etc.

• Abdominal pain.

These symptoms can be aggravated during menopause and vary depending on age, diet, physical activity or even stress levels.

Can menopause cause bowel inflammation?

Hormonal fluctuations explain the link between menopause and bowel movements. The aging of the digestive system, along with drops in hormones, causes a deterioration in intestinal permeability, leading to digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and can even trigger irritable bowel syndrome.

All of these factors, along with other causes such as diet, stress, or even lack of physical activity, can create inflammatory reactions in the intestines, accompanied by pain and discomfort.

When transit slows down during menopause, it is important to implement changes and habits in your lifestyle: eat more fiber, drink enough water, maintain an active lifestyle, etc.

What are the signs of aging on the digestive system?

From the age of 50, normal physiological changes appear at different levels: genitourinary disorders, cardiovascular risks, bone loss, skin aging, weight gain, etc.

These changes are linked to the aging of the body, and vary depending on the individual, their lifestyle, their diet, etc.

During menopause, other physical and psychological symptoms may appear, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and joint pain. Digestive problems are also common: constipation, bloating, and bowel problems. All of these problems are linked to hormonal imbalances that impact the body.

Natural solutions to relieve irritable bowel syndrome during menopause

To reduce digestive discomfort and restore good bowel movements during menopause, there are natural solutions and tips to implement. For example, adapting your diet to include a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining adequate hydration, or using dietary supplements for digestive support.

What foods should you favor for a calmer intestine?

To improve transit and soothe digestive discomfort, it is important to adopt a healthy diet, rich in fiber, probiotics and anti-inflammatories:

• Fiber: Fiber is found in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. It helps improve bowel movements, limit constipation, slow weight gain by controlling the feeling of satiety, and prevent cardiovascular disease. Some of the foods richest in fiber include dried prunes, almonds, cooked lentils, kidney beans, and walnuts.

• Probiotics: They are effective in maintaining the balance of intestinal flora, thus limiting digestive discomfort. In food, they are found in yogurts, skyr, cheeses, and even fermented cooked dishes like sauerkraut or kimchi.

• Anti-inflammatories: These help reduce pain and soothe irritation in the intestines, while promoting digestion. Certain foods are natural anti-inflammatories, for example: red fruits, cruciferous vegetables, oily fish rich in Omega-3, vegetable oils, or spices like turmeric.

What routine should you adopt to improve your transit?

Just as healthy eating habits are essential for maintaining good transit, it is also important to adapt your lifestyle and establish daily routines:

• Drink enough water: around 1.5 to 2L per day to promote elimination, boost transit and prevent stools from drying out.

• Maintain regular physical activity: When the body moves, it activates many mechanisms, including transit and digestion. This helps combat constipation and digestive disorders.

What dietary supplements can help?

There are food supplement treatments that combine plants for menopause , as well as vitamins and minerals that help to soothe the various symptoms and help you experience this period more peacefully.

The benefits of plants are proven by scientific studies. It's a natural approach that respects the body's needs, without health risks.

Equilibrist treatments specifically designed for menopause have positive effects on the symptoms experienced and improve comfort. Examples include sage, hops, bamboo, and red clover, which are very effective in alleviating disorders such as hot flashes, irritability, and night sweats.

Conclusion

There are natural solutions to alleviate digestive problems during menopause. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration can help alleviate discomfort.

If problems persist and other associated symptoms appear, such as spasms, heartburn, or any type of stomach aches, it is possible that irritable bowel syndrome has been detected. In this case, consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find solutions.

Dietary supplement treatments for menopause are also effective because they provide essential elements to alleviate symptoms and better experience this period of transition.