Experts reveal the overlooked menopause symptoms which no one talks about
A doctor has warned of an often overlooked potential symptom of menopause that could wreak havoc on your stomach.
While hot flashes, dizziness, and emotional imbalances are expected, many may be unprepared for a possible increase in digestive and gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, that come with menopause.
Speak with British VogueA gastroenterology expert revealed that while it’s not clear whether problems are increasing due to a natural aging process or hormonal changes, menopause may affect the way your body feels pain in general.
Mythili Pathipati, MD – a Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital – explained, “One thought is that declining ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) may contribute to increased visceral hypersensitivity.
“So pain perception in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract may have a lower threshold as a result of these hormonal shifts.”
A doctor has warned of an often overlooked potential symptom of menopause that could wreak havoc on your stomach. stock image used
She added that the natural effects of aging, such as weakening of the pelvic muscles, will also contribute to irritation.
Dr. Pathipati advised that cutting out trigger foods that you find your stomach sensitive to is one of the best ways to ease symptoms, as well as practicing yoga or anything that stimulates cardiovascular movement.
Harley Street Menopause specialist and GP Dr Stephanie Goodwin also says that fluctuating hormones can affect your digestive system in certain ways during menopause and perimenopause.
In her blog, the medical expert explained that “irregular” estrogen levels can lead to higher fluid levels in the body, making you feel even more swollen and bloated.
In addition, progesterone, the hormone that often helps remove excess fluid from your body, is also affected, potentially slowing down the entire process.
The bile production process is also affected by estrogen, meaning your intestines are likely to be lubricated less efficiently.
It comes as experts launch the UK’s first menopause education program to help women understand the changes their bodies are going through.
Research shows that more than 90 percent of women never learned about menopause in school, while nearly two-thirds only started seeking information when they started experiencing symptoms.
A campaign launched by the Daily Mail last year called for more women to be aware of treatment options.
Now a team from University College London (UCL), with the support of the Wellbeing of Women and Sophia Forum charities, is designing a course to do just that.
Called the National Menopause Education and Support Program, course participants receive up-to-date and evidence-based menopause education from trained health care professionals.
It will be led by Professor Joyce Harper, Dr Shema Tariq and Dr Nicky Keay, and will have the support of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the British Menopause Society.
‘Research has shown that women are currently misinformed about menopause and often go into it without understanding what to expect,’ says Professor Harper.
“Some menopausal symptoms can cause psychological distress and women may mistake their symptoms for mental health issues or other causes of concern, and this can have a negative effect on their well-being.
“We want to make sure all women get the information they need to deal with the changes they are experiencing in this area of their lives in the best possible way.”
The team said they will keep the price of the program low so that it is accessible to everyone, and will work with companies to offer the course to employees.
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, said: ‘We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new project to improve education about menopause, and we welcome the research approach of co-designing with the voices of the women involved .
‘Every woman deserves access to quality information and support during menopause, but as research by Professor Harper shows, too many women have not received the knowledge they so desperately need and deserve.
“We hope this work will enable a generation of women to understand the changes in their bodies during menopause and access help to manage their symptoms.”
Work to develop the program will start at UCL in September.