Do you have gas?

Do you have gas?
I know this is a personal question, but an important one.  If having weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, low libido and more was not enough in menopause, you may also have gas.

Given the calming effects of estrogen will no longer be felt by the body this can impact a woman’s digestive health thereby paving the way for several digestive problems.

Flatulence
When estrogen levels decline, the stress hormone cortisol increases and this can cause a spike in blood sugar and blood pressure levels. This occurrence may lead to the sluggish release of stomach acids that are crucial for the process of digestion. Consequently, the emptying of the stomach contents will slow down resulting in gas, bloating and constipation.

Perimenopausal and menopausal  women are often advised to increase their calcium intake to prevent bone loss (calcium is constipating). They are also more likely to increase their consumption of soy and other foods that are high in fiber but low in saturated fats. These foods have been found to cause the body to produce more gas. As a result, flatulence becomes a frequent and unsolicited visitor.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome may worsen among women who are in their perimenopausal and menopausal period as hormonal fluctuations trigger its symptoms. There is enough evidence to prove the link between digestive problems and the sex hormones. One established fact regarding this link is that the receptor cells of the sex hormones can be found inside the digestive tract. This is why as the levels of hormones fluctuate, the symptoms of IBS will tend to worsen.

Bloating
Due to the erratic fluctuations of estrogen, bloating caused by water retention may become a frequent occurrence. Bloating is accompanied with feelings of fullness in the abdominal area. Tightness and distension in the stomach area can also be felt, and many women find they have to loosen their zip or buttons to ease their discomfort.  Another problem if estrogen levels drop is that the lubrication of the intestines can be affected, and the result is dry, hard stools. Therefore, a woman may become more prone to bloating and constipation.

Research shows that these symptoms may become more frequent among women who are between the ages of 45-55 years of age.

There are many things that can help ease the belly bloat, gas, and constipation.  This may include changes to your diet, adding magnesium, taking digestive enzymes and certain probiotics.  

What works for one woman may not work for another.  So finding what works for you can be trial and error.  Here is what I do to stay regular and avoid these embarrassing digestive uses:

• I often start my day with 2 Tbsp. of Organic Chia Seeds in Organic Greek Yogurt.
• Take Vitalite Vitamin pack which contains digestive enzyme and a probiotic.
• End my day with 200mg of Magnesium Glycinate before bed.  I use one called NatureLo.  There are several options available.  

If making simple changes to your diet or supplement routine don’t seem to help, it may be time to have things evaluate further by your healthcare provider or functional medicine practitioner.