Doctors warned that an often-overlooked underlying symptom of menopause could be affecting your stomach.
While hot flashes, dizziness, and emotional imbalances are to be expected, be prepared for the potential increase in gastrointestinal and gastrointestinal problems associated with menopause, such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Many people may not.
talk to british vogueOne gastrointestinal expert said menopause could affect how pain is perceived throughout the body, although it’s not clear whether the problem spikes due to the natural aging process or hormonal changes. clarified.
Dr. Mithiri Patipati, a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained: “There is an idea that lower ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) may contribute to increased visceral hypersensitivity.”
“Thus, these hormonal changes may result in lower pain perception thresholds in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.”
Natural effects of aging, such as weakening of pelvic muscles, can also contribute to irritability, she added.
Eliminating stomach-sensitive trigger foods is one of the best ways to reduce symptoms, Dr. Pattipatti advised, as well as practicing yoga and anything that promotes cardiovascular activity.
Dr. Stephanie Goodwin, a Harley Street menopause specialist and general practitioner, also says that hormonal fluctuations may have some effect on the digestive system during and peri-menopause.
In a blog post, the medical expert explained that “erratic” estrogen levels can lead to elevated fluid levels in the body, which can lead to increased swelling and bloating.
Additionally, progesterone (a hormone that often helps drain excess fluid from the body) is also affected, which can slow down the whole process.
The process of bile production is also affected by estrogen, which may reduce the efficiency of intestinal lubrication.
This comes as experts launch Britain’s first menopause education program to help women understand the changes in their bodies.
More than 90% of women were never taught about menopause in school, according to the study, and nearly two-thirds began seeking information only after they began experiencing symptoms.
The Daily Mail launched a campaign last year to educate more women about their treatment options.
Now, a team at University College London (UCL), with support from the charity Wellbeing of Women and the Sophia Forum, is designing a course to do just that.
Called the National Menopause Education Assistance Program, participants in this course receive up-to-date, evidence-based menopause education from trained medical professionals.
The research was led by Professor Joyce Harper, Dr. Shema Tariq and Dr. Nikki Kee, with support from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the British Menopause Society.
“Research shows that women are currently under-educated about menopause and often go into menopause without understanding what’s going to happen,” Harper said.
“Some menopausal symptoms can cause mental problems, and women may misinterpret the symptoms as mental health problems or other worrying causes, which can adversely affect women’s health.” may give you.”
“We want to ensure that all women have the information they need to manage the changes they are going through in this part of their lives in the best possible way.”
The team said it would keep the price of the program low to make it accessible to everyone and work with companies to offer courses to their employees.
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, said, “We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new project to improve menopausal education and look forward to research that will co-design with the voices of affected women. We welcome your approach.”
“All women have a right to access to quality information and menopausal support, but as Professor Harper’s research shows, too many women are not given the knowledge they desperately need. yeah.
“We hope this study will help a generation of women understand the body changes that occur during menopause and help them manage their symptoms.”
Work on the program will begin at UCL in September.
