Do you have symptoms of bloating during menopause?

Climax symptoms may occur during menopause, mainly related to hormone fluctuations, gastrointestinal dysfunction, improper diet, emotional stress, chronic diseases, and other factors.

1. Hormonal fluctuations

A decrease in estrogen levels can affect the contraction function of gastrointestinal smooth muscles, leading to a slower digestion rate. This condition may be accompanied by acid reflux or constipation, which can be alleviated by regular eating and increasing dietary fiber intake.

2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction may cause symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by increased postprandial bloating. It is recommended to eat small meals and avoid gas producing foods such as legumes.

3. Improper diet

A high-fat and high sugar diet can increase digestive burden, and lactose intolerant individuals are more prone to bloating after consuming dairy products. You can try a low FODMAP diet and replace milk with yogurt.

4. Emotional stress

Anxiety and depression affect digestive function through the brain gut axis, forming a vicious cycle of bloating and tension. Mindfulness breathing training and moderate exercise can improve symptoms.

5. Chronic diseases

may be related to diseases such as cholecystitis and chronic gastritis, usually accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. Gastroscopy or abdominal ultrasound examination should be completed, and after diagnosis, gastrointestinal motility promoting drugs can be used according to medical advice.

Menopausal women who experience persistent bloating should record the relationship between diet and symptoms. They should engage in brisk walking or yoga for half an hour every day, and exercise regularly. Before going to bed, they can massage their abdomen clockwise to promote intestinal peristalsis. If the symptoms do not improve after adjusting the lifestyle, or if there are alarm symptoms such as weight loss, it is recommended to seek medical attention in the gastroenterology department in a timely manner to check for organic diseases. Daily attention should be paid to maintaining a light diet, supplementing fermented foods containing bifidobacteria appropriately, and avoiding wearing tight waist and abdominal clothing.